Forward planning, communication and good record-keeping are vital for equestrians planning their legacy.

Specialists from law firm Birketts and tax experts from accountancy firm Ellacotts shared tips on navigating the recent changes to inheritance tax for those in the horse world in a webinar on 13 May. All the points they raised are for general information only, and should not be taken as legal advice.

Changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) came into effect on 6 April, restricting the full 100% relief from inheritance tax that would previously have applied to the first £2.5m per person, and 50% relief thereafter.

As in many areas of life, the horse world does not fall neatly into a box – but relief can, and does, apply to those in the equine sector in specific ways.

The specialists, who have experience in the equestrian, bloodstock and rural worlds, explained how they go about approaching individual situations, plus some key take-home messages.

“Broadly speaking, inheritance tax is levied on the value of your estate when you die,” said Daniel Martin, of Ellacotts, adding that this includes “absolutely everything you own”.

He said that generally, everyone has a nil rate band of £325,000 and that everything above that (provided it does not qualify for specific reliefs) is susceptible to inheritance tax at 40%.

“The real question, particularly for our equine clients, is what reliefs are available, and how might you qualify for them?” he said.

Verity Gulliver, also from Ellacotts, said equine businesses will potentially be looking at APR and BPR, depending on their circumstances.

“Quite simply, APR applies to agricultural land and buildings, and BPR applies to qualifying business interests, where conditions are met,” she said.

“In terms of equine businesses, a lot of studs may qualify for APR, whereas other enterprises such as livery yards are more likely to qualify for BPR, but it all depends on how they are operated.

“They need to be operated commercially with a view to profit, and breeding needs to be carried on in a systematic manner with proper record-keeping.

“[For] liveries and other businesses, it depends on the extra services provided – basic grass livery and DIY probably won’t qualify, but as long as the services provided go above and beyond that, there is quite a strong chance of qualifying for BPR.”

She explained that HMRC views different types of livery in different ways, which is why it is important for yards to list what services they provide on invoices.

Mr Martin stressed the importance of people knowing their current situation as a starting point to plan for the future.

Emily O’Donnell, partner at Birketts, agreed, adding: “In terms of estate planning it’s not just about assets, these are your family businesses and your families.”

She added that this may lead to questions around who should control the operation in future, how to achieve fairness between different siblings who may be running different parts – and that there may be family members who are not involved at all.

Ms O’Donnell also said it is very important to ensure all documents are up to date and align with the current situation and future plans – for example, if family businesses have evolved over time. And she encouraged people to ensure their wills are up to date and written partnership agreements are in place.

Abi Rudd, head of equine at Birketts, urged equestrians to have clear records about who owns what – and that any gifts, purchases or arrangements are properly documented.

Other points included encouraging people to get clear on tenancies and commercial leases where appropriate, have contracts in place for liveries and think about their lasting power of attorney.

Ms O’Donnell said: “The main point that underpins successful tax and succession planning is always communication. Talk to your advisors, talk to your family members. I think the more clarity and certainty people have on what is going to happen in the future, the more successful the handover of your equine business will be.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

Minimum wage increases, business rates and racing’s sigh of relief: what the budget means for the horse world

How inheritance tax changes could hit the equestrian industry as well as farmers

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A riding school that “ensures access to equine experiences is not limited by background or circumstance” has been recognised as a business that is “innovating, disrupting and thriving”, as it won two awards.

Warrens Hall Riding School beat seven non-equestrian businesses to win the community impact category at the West Midlands Business of the Year Awards (26 February). The category recognises “transformational work” across the region.

Warrens Hall has been part of the community for more than 30 years, running sensory-led school sessions, holiday programmes for children receiving free school meals and supported internships. The riding school was bought by the Male Family Group Limited in January 2021, which has invested more than £500,000 in site improvements and redevelopment work to “enhance the facilities and expand community programmes”.

“Our aim has always been to make our riding school fun, inclusive and safe to individuals within our local and further community. Achieving this award against the other providers was a huge achievement for us,” Warrens Hall office manager Megan Winup told H&H.

“Seeing the wonderful impact our services and offering has on individuals daily is amazing and is the reason why we continue the work we do. Warrens Hall Riding School ensures that access to equine experiences is not limited by background or circumstance.”

Male Family Group Limited chief executive Neil Male added that the riding school is “incredibly proud” of the award.

“Our team works tirelessly to ensure the riding school remains a welcoming and inclusive place where people of all backgrounds can experience the benefits of working with horses,” he said.

An awards spokesperson said: “The West Midlands Business of the Year awards celebrated the very best business successes from across the region. The shortlisted and winning companies were those that are innovating, disrupting and thriving – and want to showcase their achievements.”

This was a second recent accolade for for the riding school; it was given the “sector champion – aspire award” by Dudley College of Technology, for being a “supported internship placement provider” throughout the 2024-25 academic year.

“Supported internships are fantastic opportunities for individuals with special educational needs, helping them reach their full potential while receiving the support they need to succeed in education and employment,” said Mr Male.

“We work closely with Dudley College of Technology to ensure interns gain meaningful work experience and develop valuable skills for adult life, and we are very proud to be a provider.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘The possibilities are endless’: riding school uses power of social media to fund free lessons

84 more precious riding schools lost but some positive signs in tough times

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A Nottinghamshire equestrian manufacturer has been “overwhelmed” by the support after a major fire destroyed its warehouse and stock.

Parallax Equestrian, manufacturer of products including the Hay Play feed ball, said all buildings and stock were destroyed on 12 March – but no one was injured, “for which the team is enormously grateful”. Manufacturing is at a different site to the company’s base in Gunthorpe, to which 10 appliances from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service were sent on Thursday.

“The business is still producing, almost all of the product range can be replaced and business continues as usual,” a spokesperson for the company said, adding that a relocation was already in the pipeline before the fire and the team “is embracing this wholeheartedly as the start of an exciting new chapter”.

Director Anna Gardner said: “There is nothing quite like a moment like this to make you realise the wonderful community and friendships we have built through this business over the years. The support we have received has been truly overwhelming, and we are so grateful.

“We are shocked by what has happened, but we know it could have been far worse — and we are moving forward with real positivity. This is a fresh start. Onwards and upwards!”

Parallax Equestrian makes other products including the HaySaver Feeder, Hay Nest, NIMBRUSH grooming brushes and ECO Polo Boards.

In a previous update last week, Parallax said that for a small business, this was a very difficult time.

“Right now our focus is on assessing the damage and figuring out the next steps for the business,” a spokesperson said. “As a small team this will take a little time, so we really appreciate your patience while we work through everything.

“If you have an existing order or any questions, please email jude@parallaxplastics.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you so much for the support and understanding we’ve already received – it truly means a lot to our small business.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Another few minutes and it would have killed the horses’: coach speaks out on why stable yard fire safety plans are essential

‘We’ve been very lucky’: owner’s safety warning after horsebox catches fire on A1

‘Maybe he’s helped other horses’: safety measures taken in top stallion’s memory come to the fore after horsebox accident

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Livery yards can be viable businesses – but running them as such, and being focused on costs, is key.

This is the message for yard owners, as rising costs across the industry continue to be a concern for many. Utilities, business rates, the minimum wage and the cost of hay, feed and bedding have all risen, but some yard owners are reluctant to increase livery prices.

Stephen Cole runs a viable livery yard, Parsons-Cole, in north Hertfordshire. He offers five- and seven-day full or ridden livery, and employs five members of staff.

“I understand things can be hard but you really have to understand your costs. We have all our processes streamlined and the yard is run efficiently; we have everything timed so we know how much staff we need, we installed automatic drinkers and switched from straw to shavings to make things easier,” he told H&H.

“We also plan six months to a year ahead; I’ve already bought the winter hay and I’m constantly planning. Sometimes I’ll say to the team we need to just tweak something a bit, because you’ve got to be on the ball all the time.

“This year our national insurance contributions and the minimum wage went up so our livery prices went up with it. I explained to the customers why we’re doing it; no staff means no service.”

He added that he has lost liveries in the past to price raises, but gained others, and said yards have to move with rising costs.

“You have to be open-minded that you may lose liveries, but I’m OK with that. You can’t have a service and not pay for it,” he said.

Milton Keynes-based Folly Fields Farm owner Helen Newbold told H&H she has been forced to become “more business-minded”. She has “drastically” reduced her liveries, no longer employs staff and the farm has diversified in a number of ways, including having a dog-walking field.

“The business we are running is profitable, but only because we’ve been brave enough to make changes. We have taken a bit of a step back and it does force you to look at things,” she said.

“We’re not here to subsidise people’s hobbies and it’s hard; liveries become friends and you don’t want to put prices up, but it’s making sure your business model works and continually checking your figures to make sure everything adds up. I have everything recorded so I can see what everything costs each month and there’s nowhere to hide.

“It’s too easy to let years go by, suddenly realise you’re running at a loss, and the amount you’ve got to put your prices up to get back to where you were becomes too much.”

Cheryl Johns of yard directory Livery List told H&H it is challenging if, when livery charges go up, client expectations go up too.

“Horse owners think that if the yard is putting the prices up, they should be getting better or more facilities. It can end up a bit of a vicious circle of constantly needing to meet expectations that cost more, then prices having to go up,” she said.

“But the people doing it as a hobby, or unintentionally keeping their prices low to keep stables full, they’re undervaluing and undermining the people trying to run yards as a business. It’s totally possible to have a viable yard, but you have to be knowledgeable about your own business and costs.”

Ms Johns added that it is also down to horse owners to make careful decisions on where they keep their horses.

“Do they have things like insurance, and health and safety, and biosecurity policies? If we can eradicate some of these places that don’t have these things, horse and yard owners would have to face up to what it really costs to keep a horse,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Horse world faces ‘perfect storm’ of wage and tax increases

Why owners and livery yards must acknowledge the true cost of keeping horses

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Lack of profitability has become ingrained in the equestrian industry – but there are ways for businesses to be viable and compliant with the law.

This was the view of Ali Dane, owner of Hurston Dressage & Eventing, who spoke about the impact of national minimum wage (NMW) increases, at the National Equine Forum on 7 March.

“As an employer in the equestrian industry, this topic is on my mind almost daily,” she said. “We’re now about to see the biggest ever increase to the top bracket.”

The top-rate NMW goes up from £10.42 to £11.44 on 1 April, and the age at which this applies will go down from 23 to 21. As Ms Dane pointed out, this will mean a 21-year-old working a 57-hour week will be entitled to £10,000 more per year.

“If our industry is to survive, we need to adapt, modernise and professionalise,” she said.

“There are plenty of issues I don’t know how to solve but I know how to solve poor employment. Good business and valuing people more. Lack of profitability is baked into the bones of our industry, equestrianism has been a vocation or hobby rather than commercial, workers don’t earn enough to support themselves. That has to change.”

Ms Dane said employers have to carry out business analysis; looking at key performance indicators, the market and threats to any business, for example. She said compliance is key, with wage legislation, insurance requirements and so on, as is forecasting and budgeting. Every autumn, she contacts suppliers about that winter’s stock and prices, checks the news for minimum wage increases, and then contacts clients about the following year’s price increase.

“I increase prices every year, as everyone should,” she said. “Ensure clients pay a month ahead and are aware of deadlines as the bills don’t stop.

“And people are the heart of your business. Horses are the raison d’etre but don’t pay the bills; you need to value your people as much as your horses.”

Ms Dane also encouraged allowing flexible working patterns and career progression, adding: “The solutions are staring you in the face; better business management and more value on the wonderful hard-working dedicated people in the industry. If we’re to ensure we pull through this staffing crisis, good employment must be the norm, not the exception.”

You might also be interested in:

Equestrian businesses among those investigated for underpaying staff

‘You can’t pay bills with love’: the business of keeping horses must be made viable

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A small-scale, family-run equestrian store has proved that mighty oaks from little acorns grow by winning the equine retailer of the year competition at the 2022 equestrian business awards.

Michaela Pollitt’s Equisign Tack and Feed pipped 312 nominated businesses to clinch the prize, which was announced at an awards ceremony held at the Village Hotel and Spa in Nottingham.

Michaela and her husband, Tony, have shown horses at top level for over a decade. Their charges include the maxi cob Polestar who has been placed at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) in both open and amateur ranks.

Michaela, who also runs showing clinics, judges at local and agricultural shows and is a talent spotter for The Showing Register’s training pathway series, runs Equisign with one part-time staff member in North Lincolnshire.

“The shop is my baby,” said Michaela, who sold stable signs and cross-country colours at Equisign and branched out into tack and feed supplies in 2016. “I wish I could say that we had some amazing, well thought-out business plan, but one night over a few glasses of wine we made the decision to transform our garage into a tack shop and supply equestrian products to the local community. We live in a very equestrian area and there was a definite gap in the market for a shop with traditional values that would benefit the whole equestrian community and act as a hub for advice.”

The idea was initially intended to supplement Michaela’s teaching:

“We are still a small shop in terms of size and we’re still based in humble premises, but our reach has been brilliant,” she said. “Our unique selling point is our service knowledge, our passion and our commitment to the local community; we want to be a source of support, whether that be to someone looking for feed advice to aid a specific condition, or someone looking to pick up tips on showing turnout.”

Equisign made it into the top three finalists in the retailer of the year award, alongside Equidry and North Wales and Conwy Valley tack shop.

“It’s great that the awards have recognised that we’re worth a lot more than our size,” said Michaela, who, alongside feed, bedding and tack supplies, offers other services such as rug cleaning, saddlery repairs, clipper sharpening and zip replacement and more specialist services such riding instruction arena hire and plaiting and turnout. Product demonstration videos also feature on Equisign’s social media.

“We aim to be a hub at the heart of the local equestrian community and provide customers with an introduction to local services, too. Today, you can buy anything you want or need online, but the local tack shop still provides that extra service where people can go to seek advice and help. We collaborate with other industry professionals and regularly signpost our customers to their services, and we’ve recently finished a viewing area for our school; as well as providing a vantage point to watch lessons we are hoping the area will serve as a venue to host clinics, coffee mornings, talks and demos. I also have my own herbal range that I am keen to bring to the market.

“My passion for the people we serve and their horses makes this the best job in the world. I can’t tell you the buzz I get from hearing that a product we have recommended has made a massive difference to a customer’s equestrian life or helped their horse. Supply issues and the current issues with pricing across all sectors has been challenging but we do follow trends and have so far weathered the storm thanks to the loyalty of our customers.

“We are often described as an Aladdin’s cave of desirable equestrian products but it’s our personal and warm service that we are best known and appreciated for.”

Michaela started showing in 2010 with her lightweight show cob Harvey Nichols who qualified for the SEIB Search For A Star finals in 2012. Tony started riding later in life but he has enjoyed plenty of success in the show ring in recent years.

“When I started out I used to be at the bottom of the line but I had a thirst for learning,” Michaela said. “My husband, Tony, now does the majority of the showing and he’s been placed at the RIHS with our maxi cob. More recently, we’ve bought an ex-racehorse, Chorus Of Lies, who was second at Aintree in-hand earlier this year. We hope to bring him out under saddle very soon.”

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new awards ceremony celebrating “equestrian excellence” in business has taken place for the first time

The Equestrian Business Awards were created by Katy Wright, who came up with the idea 10 years ago while working in a tack shop, and launched them this year having heard great stories of small businesses helping clients despite limitations during the pandemic.

Nominations took place earlier this year, following which finalists were chosen by a panel of judges including Katy, farrier Ashley Berry, commentator Sam Gerrard-May and British Association of Equine Dental Technicians chairman James Arkley. The winners were revealed at a ceremony on 22 October at the Village Hotel in Nottingham.

Horsefit UK was named groom of the year, AW Equestrian Services Ltd won the livery yard of the year and CleanFields took the equine service honours. R Abbiss Farriers won farrier of the year, Peak Performance Therapies took the therapist title and Field of Equitation won the equine dental technician category.

The instructor award went to EKW Dressage, Laura Nickel of Amayzing Saddlery won saddle fitter of the year and Buckingham Equine Vets was victorious in the vet practice category. Instinctive Horse Training won the behavioural trainer award, Amanda Beal Equine Transport the horse transporter category and Team Tutsham was named riding school of the year. Cobham Manor Events won the event venue award and Horses and Ponies Protection Association’s tack shop, The Fussy Filly, was named retailer of the year.

Saddle fitter Laura Nickel said to be recognised for her “true passion” is a “huge honour”.

“This job can be so hard with many hours on the road and many horses needing help,” she said. “Every day is different and a challenge. I relish every second and it was such a shock to have won,” she said.

Katy added: “I am determined to do everything I can to give back to those that work within the equestrian community, so they know just how valued they are. The comments I have received about the awards from owners, nominees and finalists have been extremely heartwarming, and I am thrilled that they are providing a platform where we can champion the hard work of

those in the industry and foster a culture of collaboration, appreciation and kindness.”

Voting for this year’s Horse & Hound Awards in partnership with NAF is open now until 4 November, with categories including vet, farrier, groom, club, volunteer, horse, pony, amateur, professional and young rider. The winners will be honoured at a ceremony at Cheltenham Racecourse in 1 December, so do take the opportunity to vote for your favourites.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Even without the coronavirus, times have been tough for riding schools, livery yards and competition centres. H&H speaks to centres and businesspeople to find out what could be done to help

A CHANGE in perspective from both employers and clients could be key to ensuring equestrian businesses stay financially viable in challenging times.

H&H has reported on the many and varied impacts of Government policy, such as business rates and minimum wage increases, rising insurance premiums and the industry’s need to remain relevant to clients with a wide choice of leisure activities to choose from – even without the effects of the coronavirus.

But another obstacle to being able to make a profit could be clients’ views of the sector.

“I feel quite strongly that people need to be realistic about what it costs to keep a horse,” Tullis Matson of Stallion AI Services, also president of the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), told H&H.

“Wages have to go up, prices of feed and insurance go up, but livery doesn’t; people need a reality check about the costs.”

Tullis cited the everyday costs livery yard owners must take into account when setting prices, such as staff time, feed and forage, which could near £20 per day for full livery. But on top of that, yard owners have to take into account factors not only including business rates and insurance, but also depreciation in value of buildings, and the cost of maintenance.

“You have to be realistic about what it costs, but you have to make a profit to survive,” he said, adding that a common attitude in the UK equestrian world is that people do the job for the love of it; so not only is making a profit not always seen as an integral part of running the business, some owners are more equestrian- than business-minded.

“It may be a slightly survival of the fittest thing, where those who have steady price increases every year will carry on but others fall behind and suddenly have to put prices up by a lot more, and owners will say they can’t afford to pay it,” he said.

Undercutting

TULLIS said the issue of local yards undercutting each other, by charging prices that mean they cannot make a profit, was raised at the EEA conference last year, as was the possibility of trying to set a cap so all yards can survive.

Aurora Eastwood, who runs a livery yard from her home in Hampshire, told H&H she has suffered from others offering cheaper livery. She had to put her prices up, as she was losing money on her business.

“All the local yards charged roughly the same as I did but I could no longer operate on that basis,” she said. “I couldn’t justify making a loss any more.”

Ms Eastwood agreed with Tullis that some clients do not take into account all the costs; even running a tractor for an hour to level the arena or maintain the fields costs £25.

“There’s an odd pressure or acceptance in the horse world that you shouldn’t expect to earn money from working with horses, but that’s wrong,” she said.

“If you put your dog in daycare, people seem to be prepared to pay £25 or more, a child in nursery might be £65 to £100 per day, with the same staff-to-child ratio as I have for horses, for a third of the time I look after horses here – and a small child doesn’t eat as much as a 17hh warmblood.

“I think as an industry, all yards need to look at their costs and set a fair profit margin for their work and care.”

Helen Williams, finance director of the Wellington Estate in Hampshire, which includes Wellington Riding equestrian centre, told H&H staffing costs are the biggest challenge, as it is such a labour-intensive business.

“This year has shown just how much as we can’t cut those costs,” she said. “It’s been really hard and if we hadn’t had the support of the estate, I’m not sure Wellington Riding would have survived.”

Ms Williams agrees equestrian centres’ clients must be realistic.

“I’ve got my horse because I can afford to keep her but I’m aware she’s a luxury,” she said. “If I couldn’t afford her, I couldn’t have her; it’s not up to where I keep her to fund her for me.

“There’s a sense that it’s an entitlement, having a horse, but we’re a business and we have to charge enough to cover costs. We charge £249 a week for full livery and we don’t make money on that.”

Ms Williams says Wellington offers different livery packages, such as using horses in lessons, to try to make it more affordable but also viable.

“It’s a tough business to be in, especially now,” she said. “You have to love the job, but it also has to be commercially viable.”

A riding school owner who did not want to be named told H&H he should charge more for lessons, but if he does, he feels clients will go somewhere cheaper.

“All centres are struggling, in my view,” he said. “We looked at buying some others and starting a chain, but the figures made awful reading. You’d have to invest so much into them but there’s no chance of getting that back.

“This is the bitter pill people are seeing when they try to retire – then land agents appear, saying the business isn’t worth anything, but they’ll knock it down and build houses; that’s one reason riding schools are disappearing. We get people here probably every month, speculatively, talking about building houses here.”

The owner said his school gives some 12,000 lessons every year, and he struggles to believe that this does not make a profit.

“It may be there are too many riding schools,” he said. “Maybe we’ll end up with fewer, bigger, centres eventually, and they’ll charge more; but that will make us back into an elite sport again, which would be a real shame.

“I think centres will have to evolve, maybe offering coffee shops and lounges, but the horse world wants everything on the cheap and it’s just unrealistic.”

H&H approached the Government’s business department for comment, pointing out that the equestrian industry is worth about £8 billion to the economy annually not to mention its benefits in terms of exercise and mental health, its positive effects on re-offending rates and getting young disengaged people back into education or work, and it would be a great loss if riding centres continued to be closed as they are not able to make ends meet.

A spokesman for the department said: “We want the UK to be the best place to work and to grow a business. The national living wage delivered the fastest pay rise for the lowest earners in 20 years, with the latest increase this April estimated to benefit over eight million people, directly or indirectly. To make it easier and cheaper to grow a business, we’ve committed to review and reduce business rates.”

You may also be interested in…

‘A chance to change things for the better’: calls for equestrian business to act on business rates *H&H Plus

All riding centres urged to join business rates fight

It is crucial as many centres as possible contribute to providing evidence to chancellor Philip Hammond

Business rates fight pays off for one yard as others are encouraged to appeal *H&H Plus*

The yard owner hopes the VOA’s concessions may benefit others who could also secure discounts, but believes appealing can also

‘Something has to change’: groom speaks out over ‘peanuts’ pay

Groom offered illegal employment by five prospective bosses

Businesses must prepare for minimum wage changes *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The minimum wage is to increase again in April — and the national living wage will also apply to younger people than ever before. H&H finds out what this will mean for the equestrian industry

EQUESTRIAN businesses have been warned to be prepared in advance as changes to the minimum and living wage come in next April.

The Government announced on 25 November that the national minimum wage will go up on 1 April by between 1.5% for 16- to 17-year-olds and 3.6% for apprentices. The national living wage is going up by 2.2%, and it is to be extended to 23- and 24-year-olds for the first time.

The equestrian industry has warned that, as so many people working with horses are in their early 20s, this will put huge strain on businesses already coping with the effects of the coronavirus.

“This could have big implications for the industry,” Equestrian Employers Association president Tullis Matson told H&H.

“Employers have to be aware of this and ready for it, as it’ll affect their top line.”

Mr Matson said employers will have to adapt their business strategies to cope with the increase as “this isn’t something they can’t do”.

“They have to be compliant with the law. As we know, although a lot of the industry is, a big part isn’t. Then, they fall foul for example with the furlough scheme; if they’re not doing it all by the books, something like that will show it up.”

Mr Matson has long pushed back against the belief that working with horses is a “way of life” and so being paid a decent wage is not as important.

“It should be a way of living,” he said. “It’s great if you love your job but that shouldn’t be instead of being paid a proper wage; like every other industry.”

Mr Matson said employers may well have to put up prices, such as for livery and lessons, to deal with the increase.

“Clients have to understand they’re paying for a service, and people at the other end have to live, and make a profit,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the end user will have to fund this, not the Government. Employers have to be realistic about what they charge; we can’t expect people to work for nothing if we want to be credible as an industry. We have to pay our way and charge accordingly.”

Challenges

HELEN WILLIAMS, finance director of the Wellington Estate in Hampshire, told H&H pressure from the Government over wages is one of the biggest challenges in running an equestrian centre such as livery yard, riding school and competition venue Wellington Riding.

“It makes it incredibly hard to keep things going,” she said. “The minimum wage went up last April; despite the fact we were in lockdown and most other pay reviews were suspended, those wages went up. Now they’ve announced one for next April, when hardly anyone else is having a raise.”

Ms Williams pointed out that increasing the minimum wage also closes the gap between that and those on higher salaries, and puts pressure on bosses to increase those, too.

She added: “A 23- or 24-year-old is going to get an 8.6% increase in April, when we’re in a pandemic and no one else is having a pay rise. I don’t see how the Government can justify it.”

She added that every year, Wellington has to put its prices up to deal with minimum wage increases.

“People might think increasing wages for lower-paid workers is great, but ultimately it has to be funded through increased revenue which simply means price rises”.

A spokesman for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy told H&H: “The living and minimum wage have increased every year since their introduction – and this extraordinary year is no exception.

“We want to support low-paid workers with a real-terms pay rise and protect their standards of living, without presenting a significant risk to employment prospects.”

The department declined to comment on the age reduction for the living wage.

You might also be interested in…

Times are changing as equestrian bosses mend their ways *H&H Plus*

Equestrian employers are realising they must comply with the law

‘Something has to change’: groom speaks out over ‘peanuts’ pay

Groom offered illegal employment by five prospective bosses

Opinion: making tax bearable — Equestrian Employers Association manages the impossible *H&H Plus*

Horse world must unite to ensure a viable future *H&H Plus*

‘I taught Kate Middleton to ride’: 9 things you may not know about supergroom Alan Davies

How well do you know the dressage supergroom? Here are nine things about Alan that you might not have known….

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Following the Financial Conduct Authority’s test case on business interruption insurance at the High Court, Horse & Hound has spoken to the British Equestrian Trade Association and equestrian insurance specialists SEIB to find out what the ruling means for equestrian businesses...

A TEST case looking at whether businesses impacted by Covid-19 can claim on their insurance could spell good news for some equestrian companies, but not for others.

Business interruption insurance covers a company in the event that they cannot operate, usually relating to physical damage – for example, temporarily renting another yard in the event of a flood.

As the coronavirus pandemic forced a number of businesses, including riding schools, to close their doors, questions were raised as to whether pandemic losses would be covered by business interruption insurance.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) arranged a test case at the High Court involving eight insurers to help bring clarity.

“There has been widespread concern about the lack of clarity and certainty for some customers making these claims, and the basis on which some firms are making decisions in relation to claims,” explained the FCA statement, adding there are “genuine doubts” over the appropriate interpretation of wording in some cases, which have led to uncertainty and disputes.

“The test case was not intended to encompass all possible disputes, but to resolve some key contractual uncertainties and causation issues to provide clarity for policyholders and insurers.”

The FCA argued for policyholders that the “disease” and/or “denial of access” clauses in the representative sample of policy wordings provide cover in the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that the trigger for cover caused policyholders’ losses.

It adds that most, but not all, of the “disease” clauses in the sample provide cover, and that certain “denial of access” clauses in the sample provide cover. However this also depends on other factors, including the detailed wording of the clause and how the business was affected by the Government response to the pandemic.

As a range of equestrian businesses were unable to operate during lockdown, clarity will help those companies who hold business interruption insurance to know where they stand.

The judgement on 15 September ruled in favour of policyholders on the majority of the main issues up for dispute – but this is not the end of the road.

FCA interim chief executive Christopher Woolard said the result was a “significant step” in resolving the uncertainty faced by policyholders and removed “a large number of those roadblocks to successful claims as well as clarifying those that may not be successful”.

However, the case is complex and further action and appeals are ongoing.

British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams told H&H the outcome may well be of use for those companies who had this insurance in place.

“It would appear that there are still some details to be clarified and so it may be too early to know how much and indeed whether companies will be able to benefit,” she added.

The British Horse Society has been seeking clarification from SEIB on what it could mean for policyholders in the equine world.

“The answer to that is different for every policyholder whose claims are likely to be affected by the test case,” said an SEIB spokesman.

“However, all policyholders who have made claims against their policies and may be impacted should have been contacted by their insurers.

“In some instances, the judgement may have very little impact as certain insurers may have confirmed coverage and/or supported policyholders on a commercial basis prior to the commencement of the test case.

“For those policyholders that may be impacted, while this decision brought some clarity to the issues being considered, the judgement is not final. Several parties, including the FCA, have made applications to appeal. As such, other insurers are taking the position that no indemnity payments or final decisions on coverage will take place until all rights of appeal have been concluded.

“It is possible that the SEIB policies may respond. However, there are a wide variety of possible outcomes and if riding centres want clarity over their policy coverage they should speak to their broker.”

H&H 22 October 2020

You may also be interested in…

Surveys show pandemic’s impact on the equestrian industry *H&H Plus*

Equestrian business incorrectly told by police to close down *H&H Plus*

Equine welfare warning as virus restrictions hit riding schools hard *H&H Plus*

Much-needed help for equine businesses *H&H Plus*

Inspirational equestrians think outside the box during lockdown *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Equestrian grooms are being warned to check whether those they are working for have liability insurance after a case where only £75,000 was paid out in compensation for a life-changing injury. H&H finds out more...

THE case of a groom who sustained a life-changing injury, but had to settle for £75,000 compensation, has sparked a call for all grooms to ensure their employers have liability insurance.

The cover is required by law, to protect both boss and staff in the case of an accident in the workplace. But in a recent legal case where the employer did not have it, the groom had to settle for the reduced amount.

British Grooms Association (BGA) executive director Lucy Katan said: “If the employer doesn’t have employers’ liability insurance and the employee has an accident, particularly if it was life-changing, the solicitor would be reliant on recovering damages directly from the employer.

“As the settlement would be taken from the employer’s personal funds, the amount could be significantly smaller than one resolved by an insurance company.

“This creates risk, to the employee of not having proper recourse to recover damages for an injury at work, and to the employer as they could be sued personally rather than being indemnified by an insurer. This is why employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement.”

Laura Upton, principal of insurance broker Brookhurst Risk Solutions, told H&H that any employer who does not have the liability cover is in breach of the Employers’ Liability Act.

“Employers’s liability insurance has standard cover of £10m, so there’s plenty to cover lifetime care if someone needs it after an accident,” she said. “If you have employees, you’re required by law not only to have the cover but to display the certificate on your premises, so grooms should be able to tell whether the employer has it or not.”

The BGA also urged grooms to be aware of their employment status. Previous BGA questionnaires have indicated that many of those who are told they are self-employed are in fact employed, by bosses who therefore need, but may not have, liability cover.

One groom, who did not want to be named, told H&H she was offered a high-risk riding job and told she would be self-employed, despite the fact she was told what her hours and pay would be.

“Speaking to the BGA about it has opened my eyes,” she said. “The yard was lovely, and the horses beautiful, but I could tell there was the risk factor. I asked about insurance and they said I’d be self-employed so it was down to me.

“I looked into it and the BGA said that wasn’t right. When I was 16, I never gave it a thought but now, if I got hurt badly, I wouldn’t be able to work or look after my own horses.

“I think the illusion of lovely horses distracts people, but if you fall off and break your neck, what happens then?”

Mrs Upton added that in the event of an accident, a court would look into whether a groom was employed or not.

“If they’re not and there’s a loss, and you should have had employers’ liability cover, you’ll get fined, and the groom could seek to sue you on your public liability cover,” she said.

A BGA spokesman added: “It is very easy to convince yourself that an accident won’t happen, but in a high-risk industry it is important to know that the financial support is there if you need it.

“Freelance grooms should also ensure that they have their own liability insurance to protect themselves in the event of an accident occurring when clients’ horses are in their care.”

H&H 8 October 2020

.

You may also be interested in…

‘I just sat and worried about bills’: rider’s insurance warning after fall kept her off work

‘I was annoyed with myself for not having insurance; I thought I was fine and didn't need it’

Grooms and employers are breaking the law, survey shows

Employment law changes must be adhered to, industry warned *H&H Plus*

Groom wins £3,000 after employer failed to provide written contract

Employers are being warned they may be breaking the law if they do not provide their staff with a written

Alan Davies‘ guest edit: An invaluable cog – grooming through the decades *H&H Plus*

The role and techniques of a groom have changed over the decades, but it’s still the case that the more

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Confusion abounds about who needs a operator’s licence when moving horses by lorry, and what additional paperwork is required for those working as a business. H&H speaks to experts to help unravel this complex issue...

Horsebox drivers must ensure they have operators’ licences if needed and comply with all requirements, or risk facing the legal consequences.

Owen Evans, director of Essex Driver Training, told H&H many equestrians either do not have the correct licences, or have them but do not fulfil the requirements.

“When you’re in a lorry, you’re not a rider any more, you’re the same as Mr Tesco; it’s the law,” he said. “If your equestrian activity is operated through a business, whether or not the horsebox is owned privately, you will need an operator’s licence.”

Mr Evans explained that operators’ licences are a must for those who transport horses, or any other goods, for hire and reward, or in the course of their trade or business, for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

This covers horse transporters but also professional riders, producers, sole traders and those competing above a level deemed as amateur.

There are different types of licence: restricted, which covers most riders, and standard national and international. Mr Evans advised contacting a driver trainer or the DVSA to determine which is needed.

He also stressed that in holding such a licence, the holder is bound by a contract to fulfil requirements such as ensuring vehicles are roadworthy and keeping appropriate records.

“If the DVSA turns up and you haven’t got the records you should be keeping, you can end up in a public inquiry,” he said. “They have the power to say you’re not a fit and proper person to hold the licence, or fit to be a company director. They have the power to do that.”

Lucy Katan, founder of the British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) told H&H travelling horses is a complex issue.

“There is so much to think about with so many rules and regulations,” she said. “Employers have a responsibility to ensure things are done correctly and that they are aware of rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, having an operator’s licence.

“The BGA and EEA now have on their websites a new comprehensive guide to transporting horses for grooms, employers and owners to get all the information they need to ensure they are compliant.”

A DVSA spokesman told H&H the aim of operators’ licences is to improve safety, protect the environment and “maintain a level playing field”.

“Owners of horseboxes weighing over 3.5 tonnes need an operator licence if their activities generate a profit or are at least cost-neutral through prize money or sponsorship,” he said.

“A licence is not required if the prize money is not part of the expected income of an amateur activity and those winnings are on an incidental basis.

“We detect operator licence issues through our roadside checks and responding to reports from the public.

“Operators can be fined up £5,000 for not having an operator licence and risk having their vehicle being impounded and scrapped after 21 days.”

You may also be interested in…

Horsebox breakdown insurance: why you need to check the small print *H&H Plus*

Traffic jam guidance for drivers with horses on board *H&H Plus*

Is this the most ‘extra’ horsebox you’ve ever seen?

Take a look at this beast...

Alan Davies guest edit: Transporting top horses around the globe *H&H Plus*

A horse’s career may be crowned in a five-minute championship round, but the logistics of reaching that apex is a

All in a day’s work: The horse transporter *H&H Plus*

Mark Perry on his superstar passengers, the importance of patience and herding a mule up a Spanish mountain

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

H&H examines what measures announced in the chancellor’s summer statement could help struggling equestrian businesses and seeks reaction from the Equestrian Employers Association and an apprenticeship provider...

Bonuses for employees returning from furlough and extra money to take on trainees and apprenticeships could help equestrian businesses in the wake of the pandemic. While the support on offer is by no means a magic wand for companies hit hard by the impact of Covid-19, it could offer some assistance.

“Our plan has a clear goal: to protect, support and create jobs,” said chancellor Rishi Sunak in his summer statement on 8 July. “It will give businesses the confidence to retain and hire. To create jobs in every part of our country. To give young people a better start. To give people everywhere the opportunity of a fresh start.”

Measures that could help include the “eat out to help out” scheme, which has already been taken up by show venues including Keysoe. This involves a Government-subsidised 50% discount for each diner, of up to £10 per head from Monday to Wednesday in August plus a six-month VAT cut.

Other help includes a “job retention bonus” of £1,000 for businesses that retain previously furloughed staff until the end of January, a “kick-start” scheme for work placements of young people on universal credit, and apprenticeship and trainee bonuses of between £1,000 and £2,000.

Tullis Matson, president of the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) told H&H he is “very conscious” of the furlough scheme coming to an end, and has already had an increase in people asking if there are any jobs with his company, Stallion AI Services.

“I’m quite nervous come October of what is going to happen, especially for some of the centres whose margins are very small as they could really struggle when money is tight,” he said.

Mr Matson added it is not simply a case of businesses themselves finding the situation tricky, but the knock-on impact of other job losses, such as liveries losing their jobs and no longer having that money to spend.

“I feel the Government is trying to help,” he said, adding the £1,000 bonus is “great for the short term”, but the longer-term economic picture remains unclear.

“That can help, but there is always going to be that eventuality when the furlough scheme stops, of how many people are not going to have jobs at the end of it.”

He said it is vital employees are not exploited for their love of horses to prop businesses up, and equally that businesses seek help where it is available.

“The Government is much more on it with enforcing the minimum wage now – and rightly so,” he added. “There is part of the industry that doesn’t want to be compliant with the law, but there is a larger section that slightly doesn’t know where to find the help, and EEA membership really can bring that help to them.

“If we can help employers, that in turn will help employees.”

Mr Matson also said exploring the possibility of taking on less experienced staff, where applicable within a business, can bring additional benefits other than the money the Government has set aside.

“We have people coming in here very green and new to the industry and they flourish,” he said, adding this has to be balanced with experienced staff.

Chris Hewlett, of apprenticeship provider Haddon Training, told H&H the additional funding is a “great opportunity” for equestrian businesses.

“That said, businesses must be viable and not take an apprentice on for the sake of it because there is money attached,” he said.

Mr Hewlett explained the money for traineeships and apprenticeships could add up to as much as £4,000, provided all the criteria are met.

“As a training provider, we are going to be very inquisitive of businesses we haven’t worked with before as there is a moral commitment for employers to support somebody through training,” he said. “It is taxpayers’ money, and as a training provider we have a responsibility with how that is spent.”

You may also be interested in…

10 top tips for finding and retaining employees

We look at advice and tips from some of the speakers on how to be a good employer and how

Surveys show pandemic’s impact on the equestrian industry *H&H Plus*

Confirmation some equestrian centres are eligible for government financial support *H&H Plus*

Equestrian business incorrectly told by police to close down *H&H Plus*

Protecting yourself, your business and your staff: why the industry’s workforce must be a priority *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The industry could have a “unique” opportunity to sell itself to families keen for fresh air post-lockdown restrictions. H&H finds out more...

The equestrian world should “sell the sizzle, not just the sausage” as it markets itself to a post-lockdown Britain.

As many people who were forced to spend weeks indoors during coronavirus restrictions may re-evaluate their lives and how they spend leisure time when things return to normal, the equestrian industry could benefit.

Patrick Delaney, a lecturer at Hadlow College in Kent and former British Showjumping course-designer and British Horse Society (BHS) instructor, believes the industry will have a unique opportunity once it is in a position to accept beginners safely again.

“After months trapped in the family home, many people want a breath of fresh air and a change of environment,” he said. “And this change of environment is something rural – outdoor sports and activities are uniquely situated to be able to take advantage. Now is the time for the likes of the BHS, riding schools and trekking centres to be pushing their case.

“What is now needed from the equine industry is a concerted marketing effort and some creativity. We need to be selling the sizzle, not just the sausage, about what makes being around horses such a great lifestyle choice for the whole family.”

Mr Delaney told H&H our sport needs to promote its benefits to the public, and not only while social distancing is a requirement or a new normal.

“It’s outdoors, in the fresh air; there have been a lot of articles on the effects of young people’s mental health from being stuck at home. This is the perfect opportunity,” he said.

Mr Delaney pointed out that it is not just riding; while horse owners may not always look forward to the chores, this is also good, outdoor exercise.

“You’re not selling just ‘riding a horse’, it’s the outdoor lifestyle, the community, the animals, the fresh air, health and relaxation,” he said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get people who may not have considered being around horses to do something different.

“The virus has changed people’s perceptions, and they’re maybe looking to do something new, and we should tap into that.”

A BHS spokesman told H&H the society “couldn’t agree more” with Mr Delaney on the potential opportunity.

“Our priority has been to help those people who ride to get back to riding, and we have been supporting our riding schools and coaches to enable this to happen, while following the Government guidelines,” she said.

“We have seen through our Changing Lives through Horses programme, aimed at young people who are at risk of exclusion or already excluded from school, how the horse has given them the confidence and the motivation to return to school and change the course of their lives.

“We plan to work with more centres and local authorities to enable us to offer the programme to even more young people.

“We are looking at a piece of marketing activity to engage with people outside the equine community. The campaign will focus on the horse, the health benefits of horse riding as well as the enjoyment it brings.”

Marketing consultant Paul Bentham, a former Robinsons Country Leisure sales and marketing director who sat on the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) council 
and retail committee for 13 
years, cited cycling as an 
example of people turning to outdoor sport recently.

“About 1.3 million people – 5% of consumers – bought a bike since the outbreak; so there’s a precedent,” he said. “We’ve had a period of enforced imprisonment, for want of a better word, and there’s evidence to suggest that after a reduction in activity or capability, the will to do something finds a way.”

Mr Bentham said that other sports may also be thinking the same, and there will be competition for people’s leisure time, but “it’s an interesting notion that people might have the time and inclination to do something they wouldn’t otherwise have done”.

“I can see there is a germ of opportunity here for the sport. And I would expect anyone connected with the trade to agree that the more people riding, the better it is for everyone.”

You may also be interested in…

‘Change is coming’ to improve diversity in equestrianism

‘Some people might feel uncomfortable, as they think pro-Black means anti-white, but it doesn’t’

Anna Ross: We must aim for gold in equality *H&H Plus*

H&H’s dressage columnist on where the sport succeeds in diversity, and where it needs work

‘Willingness to change’: hopes fairytale pictures will help promote diversity in equestrianism

‘I’m no good with words, but maybe my pictures can say something instead’

Laura Tomlinson: Our sport is rife with privilege *H&H Plus*

H&H’s dressage columnist on ethnic diversity and how to bring about change

The barriers to ethnic diversity in equestrian sport – and how to pull them down

As protests around the world throw a spotlight on the underrepresentation of ethnic backgrounds in the British equestrian industry, H&H

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

As we await the government’s plans to start lifting the lockdown measures, H&H highlights just some of the inspirational individuals and businesses that have been using creative thinking to make the most of this difficult period...

The equestrian community has adapted to lockdown restrictions with “out of the box” thinking, shining a positive light during challenging times.

With the help of technology and creative thinking, some businesses and individuals have been able to keep operating through the coronavirus pandemic, while supporting each other.

Patrick Pollock, director of the equine hospital and practice at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, told H&H that despite restrictions and reduced staff, this has been the hospital’s “finest hour”.

“We’re working hard to make sure we use the minimum of everything. We’ve had medics ring us to say they can’t get a certain drug or consumable and we’ve been able to source it for them through our veterinary supply chain,” he said.

“We’ve given away a lot our gowns, masks and ventilators to local NHS hospitals, but there’s a real ‘spirit of the Blitz’ camaraderie and we’re all working together. Animal welfare has been at the forefront of everything – as well as human welfare.”

Mr Pollock said when a horse arrives at the hospital for treatment it is unloaded into a stable and there is no direct contact with owners; all communication takes place electronically.

“We’ve been able to support vets and clients using our telemedicine platform so we can do a live consult and make the decision on whether a horse needs to come in. We’re also providing a telemedicine service to owners in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland,” he said.

“I hope some positives can come at the end of this, which might be that we will have developed these platforms across the UK so no one goes without that level of veterinary support; you should get the same level of specialist support whether you’re on the Isle of Lewis or in Basingstoke. I think we’ll get there because people will be more enthusiastic about using technology.”

British Showjumping accredited coach Ernest Dillon, who has created seven training videos for sale, including polework and exercises for improving canter, told H&H lockdown restrictions had been “incredibly difficult”– but said the equestrian community is adapting “like it always does”.

“I can’t get to my clients the way I should be able to, so they need something else,” he said. “I’m also doing Zoom lessons, with clients as far away as the US having weekly lessons.

“Horse people are a tough bunch, and if anyone is going to make it through this, it will be horse people.”

Aberdeen Riding Club has set up an equine professional support group using video conferencing. The group comprises physiotherapists, coaches, centre proprietors, farriers and vets, and each week holds online sessions to aid with professional development with someone from a different occupation presenting a talk each week.

Club manager Sally McCarthy told H&H: “The equestrian world is very good at adapting but the problem has been it hasn’t always been as good at adapting digitally, which is where we have to look in the short term, and potentially longer term for changes that might occur over the next year.

“The group has been a really positive step – it allows us all to throw ideas about, but almost more importantly, it’s given everyone a support network. It’s really good to be able to chat with other professionals who are all in the same boat.”

World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm, which is closed to the public, has used the lockdown to catch up on yard and field maintenance.

“Everyone has pulled together. People have different situations at home where perhaps they can’t see the people they’re used to seeing, so we try to keep everyone’s spirits up,” assistant farm manager Lizzie Bird told H&H. “Coming to work is bit of time-out for some people.

“One of the toughest parts has been not having the potential rehomers visit so we’ve been keeping in contact with them by sending photos of the horses to keep them updated.”

West London-based Deen City Farm, an inner-city charitable riding school, has been diversifying by creating and selling colouring and sticker books – based on the centre’s horses and ponies – to provide income and “educational fun”. Riding school manager Joanna Henbrey has also written a children’s story book, Derek Goes For A Walk, based on one of the farm’s ducks.

“The lockdown has been difficult, there is only so much you can do – but I never in a million years would have written a children’s book if it wasn’t for this so it has pushed people to think outside of the box, and that’s always good,” said Ms Henbrey.

You may also be interested in…

Carrot donations, wheeled horses and star jumps: charities look to alternative fundraising measures

While visitor centres are closed and events cancelled, activities including sponsorship, donations, and art sales could help raise vital funds

Equestrian business incorrectly told by police to close down *H&H Plus*

Major fund set up to help hard-hit riding schools feed their horses *H&H Plus*

The money will go directly towards ensuring the care and welfare of horses and ponies at BHS approved centres

Surveys show pandemic’s impact on the equestrian industry *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘Crucial to recovery will be the importance of all parts of the trade working together’: Horse & Hound examines the results of recent industry surveys and speaks to experts about what the next steps need to be...

THE equestrian industry is showing a “real desire to survive” the coronavirus pandemic – while the effects should act as a wake-up call to some businesses.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), and the British Grooms Association (BGA) and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), have carried out impact surveys on members.

The BETA surveys, completed by more than 100 retail and 69 trade members, found the pandemic is “posing the greatest threat to the future of our trade that most of us will have ever experienced”.

The immediate impact on turnover in supply and distribution was slightly less than for retail. Nearly 58% of trade member companies’ turnover was down, while over 75% of retailers saw a decrease in sales.

Companies dealing in feed, bedding and healthcare products have typically shown an increase rather than a decrease in turnover, albeit short-lived, while those dealing in mainly rider-related items such as clothing have had an “overwhelmingly negative impact”.

“Many of those who responded showed a real desire and will to survive, albeit based on being given an opportunity to do so,” a BETA spokesman said. “This opportunity will not only come from the end of lockdown, government assistance, financial and otherwise and the equestrian bodies encouraging participants to return to our sport.

“Crucial to recovery will be the importance of all parts of the trade working together to help one another to recover. This means working through challenging times, but without this joint effort we risk losing more businesses than we have ever lost before. All at BETA will do their utmost to ensure we play a key role in this recovery with guidance and support of you, our members.”

BETA executive director Claire Williams told H&H the situation immediately after lockdown was imposed was “not looking good”, but retailers are changing ways of working to cope.

“The biggest challenge for many businesses will be cash flow,” she added. “That might be the breaking point for a lot of them.

“The government’s coronavirus business interruption loan [CBIL] scheme has been a challenge as you’ve got to show you’ve got a business that’s viable long-term and we don’t know when lockdown will end.

“The introduction of the bounce back loan scheme on 4 May offers a life line to many small companies, offering loans up to £50,000, which we hope are easier to access than those under the CBIL scheme.”

The BGA and EEA survey had more than 1,300 responses.

“The results are concerning, revealing that 89% of businesses have seen a financial impact, with 5% worried they will face closure,” a BGA spokesman said.

Riding schools have been worst affected; 100% of respondents said their finances had suffered, 85% have no income, as was the case for 44% of all businesses, and 10% said it is likely they will have to close.

Over 50% of employed grooms are working fewer hours or have been furloughed or made redundant, while 80% of freelance grooms are working fewer hours. More than 61% of respondents felt the situation is affecting their mental health.

“It is essential the industry as a whole prioritises those who run businesses and earn a living and livelihood from horses,” the spokesman said. “Without them, others will be unable to enjoy the hobby and sport.

“The findings demonstrate that the entire industry is facing a time of unprecedented challenge. Coronavirus presents an array of difficulties, which vary, but it is clear: this is a problem that impacts everyone.

“Key is the recommendation that additional provisions are needed in many areas. Further support for businesses and for the well-being of grooms and business owners is essential to ensure survival.”

BGA executive director Lucy Katan told H&H one effect of the pandemic could be to make some equestrian employers more compliant with relevant legislation.

“We’ve heard from people who haven’t been running a payroll, for example – so they can’t furlough staff,” she said. “This could act as a wake-up call for the industry; every business has to be run correctly, and those that aren’t are missing out.”

You may also be interested in…

Confirmation some equestrian centres are eligible for government financial support *H&H Plus*

Major fund set up to help hard-hit riding schools feed their horses *H&H Plus*

The money will go directly towards ensuring the care and welfare of horses and ponies at BHS approved centres

Equestrian business incorrectly told by police to close down *H&H Plus*

New research reveals the impacts of lockdown on horse management

The survey launched on 26 March received more than 6,000 responses in 10 days

Animal welfare and other charities miss out on government support packages *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Some equestrian business had been told they were not eligible for the Covid-19 grants, but after H&H made representations on their behalf, the councils reviewed their decision.

Many equestrian centres are eligible for the government’s Covid-19 financial help, despite the fact some have been told this is not the case.

As part of measures aimed to support those forced to close during the pandemic, businesses can claim a year’s business rates holiday and a significant grant.

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) and the Sport and Recreation Alliance have confirmed the retail, hospitality and leisure grant fund can be claimed by “businesses used for the provision of sport, leisure and facilities to visiting members of the public (including for the viewing of such activities)”. This applies to riding schools, livery yards and competition centres.

Kate Morris, of Blue Barn Equestrian Centre in Kent, was told repeatedly by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) that she could not claim the assistance. But after H&H interceded, ABC confirmed she was eligible.

Kate said: “This is wonderful. I’d rung the council and spoken to someone who was very nice, but said riding schools and equestrian centres are excluded.

“I can understand how people would struggle with this. I rang again [after H&H had called ABC the first time] and was again told I wasn’t eligible.

“This is absolutely incredible news, and it opens the doors to all the other equestrian centres and riding schools in the area.”

An ABC spokesman said after H&H made representations on their behalf, the council was able to look at the case in more detail before coming to its decision.

“The team has had a look at this and has made the decision [Kate Morris] is eligible for the 100% retail/hospitality/leisure discount on two accounts – the riding area and the stables and premises,” a spokesman said.

Sue Walker of competition centre and livery yard Duckhurst Farm, also in Kent but under Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), told H&H her first business rates payment had been taken in April, although she should have been eligible for the relief, and that she had struggled to contact the council. After H&H got in touch, Sue had a call from MBC to say they would be refunded that payment.

“It’s wonderful news,” she said.

Ruth Gardiner, of the Enborne Equestrian Centre riding school in west Berkshire, told H&H she had struggled to get through to the right person, having rung her council every day for a week, but once she did track him down, she was told she was eligible for the help. She urged other businesses to be persistent in seeking the help for which they are eligible.

“Finally, after hassling and pushing, I was given an email address,” she told H&H.

“He was absolutely fantastic and couldn’t have been quicker on the job; by the afternoon, I got a message to say the money was in my account.”

A BEF spokesman told H&H there has been some confusion around the term “leisure”, which different councils have interpreted in different ways, but the Sport and Recreation Alliance has confirmed equestrian centres are eligible, as long as they are open to the public, adding that it is natural there would be teething problems as the grant scheme is new and covers such a wide range of businesses.

“Come to us, the BEF, and we can help, and the British Horse Society has said the same,” she said.

Alliance CEO Lisa Wainwright told H&H: “The Sport and Recreation Alliance has been working with the BEF to clarify government guidance on business rates relief and grants, to build on support for their members.

“We hope this guidance allows eligible equestrian facilities to access the financial assistance they require to support them through Covid-19.”

You may also be interested in…

Equestrian business incorrectly told by police to close down *H&H Plus*

Equine welfare warning as virus restrictions hit riding schools hard *H&H Plus*

Major fund set up to help hard-hit riding schools feed their horses *H&H Plus*

The money will go directly towards ensuring the care and welfare of horses and ponies at BHS approved centres

Plans under way for future competitions, with social distancing *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The British Equestrian Trade Association is concerned that some businesses are being incorrectly targeted by enforcement officers when the government’s guidelines do not require these companies to stop operating. H&H finds out more...

Concerns have been raised that equestrian businesses may think they have to stop trading during the coronavirus pandemic, when this may not be the case.

In its guidance, the government has stated that “during this time of unprecedented disruption, the UK government is not asking all businesses to shut – indeed it is important for business to carry on”, adding: “Only some non-essential shops and public venues have been asked to close.”

The guidelines also state that going to work is an acceptable reason for people to leave the house during lockdown, if they cannot work from home.

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) executive director Claire Williams said she has become concerned about the “disconnect” between government guidelines and enforcement of the legislation.

“It’s important people understand the guidelines,” she told H&H. “I had a member on the phone who’s a wholesaler, supplying to shops and mail-order companies that are still open, and he’d just had a policeman on the premises telling him he shouldn’t be trading, and should shut down. That’s not right.”

Ms Williams took up the case, pointing out to the relevant chief constable that there is “no such thing as an essential business”, and secured agreement that the wholesaler could operate.

“There are key workers, such as those in the NHS, although it also includes people working in other key businesses such as transport and animal feed, and that just means they have the right for their children to go to school where places are available,” she said.

“Then there are public-facing businesses that must remain closed like restaurants and many retailers. Equestrian retailers can open because they fall into the agricultural supplies or pet shops category which are exceptions, supplying essential products such as feed and bedding for horses and other animals including pets.”

Ms Williams added that the idea of “essential” purchases is also misunderstood, and while retailers have told her they have stopped fitting hats, for example, to avoid the close contact with customers, there is no reason someone buying feed cannot also buy items such as brushes or clothing at the same time, while taking government-recommended precautions to minimise contact.

“People are trying to do the right thing but in doing that, they may be misunderstanding the guidelines,” she said. “Of course, some may not want or be able to stay open, because of personal reasons or staffing issues and that’s absolutely right too.”

Bobby Taak of Gallop Equestrian, the Tipton-based wholesaler asked to close by police this month, told H&H he had been aware of police spot-checks in the area before officers visited.

“I was at home but saw them arrive on camera, and I rang the team to say there was nothing to worry about; let them in and explain we’re following the social distancing guidelines,” he said.

When an officer said the business had to close, Mr Taak explained why this was not the case, but to no avail. Fortunately, Mr Taak secured permission to open the next day for a scheduled delivery, and by that time, thanks to Ms Williams’ efforts, was given the nod to stay open.

“Without Claire’s intervention, I don’t think we’d still be trading,” he said. “I appreciate the police officer was just doing his job, but we weren’t doing anything wrong.

“The shops are allowed to be open, and how can they function without people like us supplying them? I had no intention to furlough anyone; if I’d had to, it would have put more pressure on the government.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for the police, they do a fantastic job, but they need to be aware of what the guidelines mean.”

• H&H contacted West Midlands Police for comment.

You may also be interested in…

Routine vet work may take place during lockdown under new guidance

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has provided new guidance to allow vets to determine which services they can carry

Owners warned against stocking up after reports of horse feed panic-buying

‘If everyone buys exactly what their horses need – and stops panic-buying – there will be more than enough to

Coronavirus Q&A: horse riders, businesses and employees — all you need to know

H&H has put together a Q&A to help with some of the questions those living and working in the equestrian

Insurance remains key during pandemic as rumours are debunked *H&H Plus*

Animal welfare and other charities miss out on government support packages *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

H&H speaks to industry experts to understand the impact the restrictions put in place to help combat the pandemic are having on equestrian businesses such as riding schools and livery yards

There could be “catastrophic” equine welfare implications of the coronavirus pandemic, concerned stakeholders have warned. All businesses are affected by movement restrictions, but equestrian centres still have horses and ponies to care for, so staff cannot be furloughed.

Tim Downes, who owns Ingestre Stables in Stafford and is a Fellow of the British Horse Society, told H&H Britain is “on the brink of a welfare catastrophe”.

“The plight of British riding schools is that they still have their animals to cater for and with a total loss of income, equines and carers will suffer in what can only be described as the most devastating and unrecoverable issue since World War II,” he said.

Mr Downes said the social impact on society of riding school closures – he has personally already heard of three closed owing to the pandemic – would be huge.

He added: “Many riding school proprietors are in a state of total desperation. British riding schools are the backbone of equestrianism; without them the long-term effect of the current situation will ultimately be a serious decline in the standard of horse welfare.”

British Horse Society (BHS) head of approved centres Oonagh Meyer said: “The BHS is working tirelessly to help support our approved centres through these incredibly challenging times, and we have been in direct contact with all of them to offer guidance and support.

“We are also continually updating our online Covid-19 information hub, in line with government guidelines, to provide as much guidance and information as possible to all owners, coaches, yards, centres and schools. Advice and contact information can be found at bhs.org.uk/covid19.”

Julie Magnus, of Julie Magnus Racehorse Transport, is also concerned that welfare issues are occurring at livery yards. She told H&H she has been contacted by owners of horses who have been turned away when this is detrimental to their health; owing to laminitis or recent surgery, for example.

“I’ve had calls from terrified and distraught owners all over the country needing to move their horses immediately,” she said. “It’s a massive problem. I think some yards just panicked and shut up shop without thinking.”

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H the immediate outlook for the sector, including riding schools, is “hugely challenging”.

“The government is under intense pressure so, while as a sector we need to be realistic about our chances of getting significant support, equally we need to reiterate to the government that the equine sector is the second-largest rural employer behind agriculture, and the benefits horses bring to the physical and mental health of society,” he said.

“We also cannot forget that this is a public health emergency and we have all been given very clear direction on how to help win this battle, through following government recommendations including hand-washing and social distancing.

“Collectively following these measures will minimise the time before a degree of normality returns and riding schools can start operating again. As a sector we should do all we can to weather this storm, support each other and provide maintenance care for our horses to reduce costs without compromising their welfare, so we can all get back on our feet when the restrictions start to lift.”

You may also be interested in…

‘This is vital’: RDA’s desperate appeal to save groups from closure 

Ways to manage your horses during the coronavirus pandemic *H&H Plus*

Avoiding hasty decisions can head off equine health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic, says Andrea Oakes

City ponies move to luxury temporary homes thanks to racecourse boss

The ponies have been moved owing to the coronavirus restrictions

Yard owner offers free livery to NHS staff during coronavirus crisis

‘It’s a small gesture that we hope will make a positive difference’

‘Our way of saying thank you’: how the equestrian world is giving back to NHS workers

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The government has introduced new measures that apply to all businesses and employers, with two having been singled out by the industry as particularly worthy of attention. H&H finds out more...

It is vital equestrian bosses adhere to recent employment law changes, despite current restrictions, experts have warned.

The government has introduced measures that apply to all businesses and employers. And while of course all apply to equestrian concerns, two have been singled out by the industry as particularly worthy of attention.

One of these is that all employees and workers must have a written statement of terms, a contract, by the first day of work.

Lucy Katan, executive director of the British Grooms Association (BGA), told H&H it is vital to be legally compliant.

“These are difficult times but you have to have your house in order,” she said. “If your staff aren’t contracted, what happens if you need to furlough them? What about those who are falsely told they’re self-employed, who now won’t get a penny?”

“I hope this change will make a difference,” she added. “I hope it makes people aware of the importance of a written contract. The statistics are still abysmal – in our most recent survey, only 57% of respondents had one – but this draws focus to it.”

Ms Katan said there is “no excuse” for non-compliance – the BGA’s sister body the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) has a contract creator on its website.

And having a written statement of terms protects both employers and employees.

“Apart from the fact it’s a legal requirement, it lets all parties know where they stand,” she said.

“If you haven’t got the terms in writing, a contract still exists, whether that’s oral or implied, but you have to have those terms in writing. And if you as an employer end up at a tribunal and you haven’t got a contract, the judge is going to think about what else you haven’t done. We want our industry to be a compliant, legal, caring place to work.”

Equestrian and employment specialist barrister Victoria von Wachter, at 5 Essex Court Chambers explained “workers” is a term that would cover a number of people in our industry, advising any employer who is unsure to contact the EEA to check.

“Our industry can be naïve in thinking someone is self-employed, so the employer doesn’t have to do PAYE, they’ll do their own tax, but they’re potentially setting up trouble for later,” she told H&H. “Most falsely described self-employed grooms are really employees, but failing that, they’re probably workers.

“Failure to provide a contract to such people can generate an automatic award of two weeks’ pay from the tribunal, and allows the tribunal to draft the contract for you; do you really want that? And it draws attention to you.”

Ms von Wachter also explained the other pertinent change; to in the way holiday pay is calculated.

When irregular attendances are worked, this had been worked out on an employee’s average pay over the past 12 weeks, but this is now 52 weeks, for employees and workers. So this will affect anyone whose hours change seasonally.

“If someone works six days a week in summer and three in winter and is paid for the days worked, then went on holiday in January, they’d get holiday pay based on an average of their last 52 weeks’ pay, so more than a week’s winter pay,” she explained.

She added that she expects a surge in employment law cases once restrictions are lifted; the backlog that has not been heard, and a great deal of new ones caused by the current situation.

“It’s going to be mayhem,” she said. “You do not want to end up in court, and employment cases can be terribly upsetting and dreadfully personal.”

EEA president Tullis Matson added: “We’re aware of how tough things are for equestrian businesses but these changes are the law, and have to be adhered to.

“Compliance will benefit all parties involved, and help ensure we as an industry can thrive when this is over.”

You may also be interested in…

Protecting yourself, your business and your staff: why the industry’s workforce must be a priority *H&H Plus*

‘A chance to change things for the better’: calls for equestrian business to act on business rates *H&H Plus

Challenges faced by parents working in equestrian industry brought into focus *H&H Plus*

‘Something has to change’: groom speaks out over ‘peanuts’ pay

Groom offered illegal employment by five prospective bosses

10 top tips for finding and retaining employees

We look at advice and tips from some of the speakers on how to be a good employer and how

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horse & Hound reports from the first Equestrian Employers Association conference where employers were reminded they can’t choose whether or not someone is self-employed and risk significant penalties if employment status is wrongly applied...

The distinction between being employed and self-employed is out of businesses’ hands and the penalties for getting it wrong are huge, the equestrian industry has been reminded.

The message came as part of a wider discussion on how businesses, employers and the workforce can best protect themselves and thrive in the current climate at the inaugural Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) conference (25 February).

“This isn’t a question that you and your groom decide between you,” said barrister Victoria von Wachter, of 5 Essex Court, who specialises in equestrian law and employment law among other areas.

“It is a question of fact and law that a court will decide [should it get to that stage]. That isn’t a court you want to be going into.”

She explained the test as to what someone’s employment status is can be summed up by saying an employed person is “told what to do, how to do it, where to do it and when to do it”, adding the repercussions of getting it wrong can be extremely costly.

“Even though you and your so-called self-employed groom are happy with the situation, the revenue may not be,” she said. “I think the equestrian industry at the moment is the focus of these government bodies so beware.”

She added there are, of course, genuinely self-employed people within the industry, whose working patterns fit the status requirements, but warned employers not to see recording an employee as self-employed as an easy alternative.

The industry was also reminded of a major impending change to employment law, which will mean from April all new staff — workers, employees or self-employed— must have a section one statement. This is a basic form of contract under the Employment Rights Act, laying out someone’s working terms and conditions, and those who currently work for an employer can also request one of these.

‘What are you looking for?’

Making staff a priority from the recruitment stage is key to a successful business, the conference heard.

“You are never going to get things out of your employees unless they enjoy their work,” said EEA president Tullis Matson, opening the conference.

“Our team is everything to us. I wouldn’t survive a day without a really good team behind me. We have a duty of care to our staff and without our team, we wouldn’t be able to prosper.”

He added while the equestrian industry does not always pay the highest wages, there are other ways to recognise and reward staff and make somewhere a great place to work.

“It is really important you have a really clear idea of what it is you are looking for — the ‘nice to haves’, the ‘need to haves’ and where you are willing to compromise,” said equestrian recruitment specialist Caroline Carter.

“A job advert is really important: what I see a lot of is a list of demands. Think almost estate agent — is you were looking at this job, would it attract you? It is a two-way thing.

“If you are expecting someone to work long, hard days for you, be far from home, six days a week, to offer no riding, no ability to keep a dog or a horse, no weekends off — I think you are going to be looking for a long time.”

She added it is very important for the employer to take an active part in the recruitment process, involving team members if they wish, but not to fully delegate this task.

The point was made that equestrian employers are expected to understand and balance all the complexities of running a business, including the legalities of HMRC and health and safety, alongside navigating how to manage staff’s emotional wellbeing — none of which is taught in school.

The message from the EEA and the specialists who spoke during the day was that help is on hand.

Ms Carter added understanding what drives a person and what their ambitions are, then dovetailing that with what an employer is looking for in a staff member, is a positive way to help recruit and retain the right people for the business.

Mental health in the workplace consultant Sylvia Bruce explained how to spot if a member of staff is struggling and, while it is not a substitute for professional help, what you as an employer can do.

“Like many physical illnesses, poor mental health isn’t visible, but its effect is,” she said.

She added this can be through someone’s behaviour, language, how they do their job, differences in their usual attention to detail, and changes such as someone loud becoming quiet, or vice versa.

“This is why it is important to know your team,” she said. “I don’t mean becoming your employees’ best buddy, it is about knowing them and how they do their work.”

She said issues can be extremely hard to spot, as work might be the very place someone going through a tough time is actually ok.

She also gave advice as to how to talk to a staff member you believe may be struggling.

“Hearing someone’s story can be very hard for the listener, especially if you are not a mental health professional,” she said. “Don’t focus on the story, but what you can do for them within the business and the law.

“[Running a business] sometimes it is very difficult to find the time to speak to someone about their mental health or something that has cropped up. It is better to tackle it sooner rather than later.”

You may also be interested in…

New immigration rules unveiled: how the horse world reacted *H&H Plus*

Times are changing as equestrian bosses mend their ways *H&H Plus*

Equestrian employers are realising they must comply with the law

‘Something has to change’: groom speaks out over ‘peanuts’ pay

Groom offered illegal employment by five prospective bosses

Equestrian businesses need to prepare for minimum wage rise: ‘It’s not a choice, it’s the law’ *H&H Plus*

Challenges faced by parents working in equestrian industry brought into focus *H&H Plus*

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

H&H senior news writer Lucy Elder reports on the first Equestrian Employers Association conference, at which taxation and emploment law, and their specific impacts on our industry, were on the agenda.

The Equestrian Employers Association has been rightly praised for its inaugural conference.

The subject of tax, and in fact anything that refers to “gov.uk for more information”, tends to be an instant snooze button. But the speakers managed to make it interesting and relevant — this wasn’t just a lecture on employment law, but real experiences from real equestrian businesses. People who have lived and fallen foul of HMRC, and those who have helped them through hideously stressful times.

There were a number of key messages to come out of the day — the first being that the equestrian world does need to pull together if it wants to survive in the future, along with ways the EEA can help with that.Another was that this is not about “bad employers”, with the vast majority of businesses — equestrian or otherwise — wanting and trying to do the right thing, but finding themselves in hot water unintentionally. But for many, their speciality is horses — whether that is riding them, breeding them, training them or teaching people to ride them — and running a business, along with the legalities and understanding the nuances of what makes for happy staff mentally and legally, is not something that is taught in schools.

Victoria von Wachter, of 5 Essex Court, who specialises in equestrian law and employement law among other areas, was fascinating and gave brilliant clarity on some of the pitfalls riders and others can find themselves in.

It was scary to hear how many of HMRC’s minimum wage cases are unintentional and the numerous ways employers can unwittingly fall foul of them.

One thing that really hit home was the discussion of the financial and emotional impact of court cases. Of course, each scenario and each case is different, but the reality that at times “court appearances are a bit like wars” in that there are instances where there are “no winners and the emotional toll it takes is often greater than the win it brings”struck a chord.

I used to do a lot of court reporting prior to starting at Horse & Hound and that summed up the emotion in the room on a number of such occasions. It brought back vividly the first case I covered, where I naïvely thought I would feel a sense that “justice has been done”, when the reality was quite different, almost an emotional exhaustion.

That’s to go off on a tangent — there was so much positivity in the day with real advice from those who really do “get” the equestrian industry in legal terms, passion for horses and the sense of family that this brilliant world has, both within individual yards and the wider community.

You might also be interested in:

Horse world must unite to ensure a viable future *H&H Plus*

‘I just sat and worried about bills’: rider’s insurance warning after fall kept her off work

‘I was annoyed with myself for not having insurance; I thought I was fine and didn't need it’

Groom urges others to seek help following struggle with depression

‘it is so important to talk and you can get help much quicker than I did. Help is out there

Pony-painting parties ‘not a top welfare priority’ as thousands sign ban petition *H&H Plus*

‘Something has to change’: groom speaks out over ‘peanuts’ pay

Groom offered illegal employment by five prospective bosses

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Following news the government is committed to a “fundamental” review of rates, as outlined in the most recent Queen’s Speech, H&H has spoke to the British Horse Society, a riding school owner and the Treasury to find out what equestrian business need to do to help themselves...

Equestrian businesses are urged to grasp the opportunity to act on business rates, as the government has pledged to review the system.

The British Horse Society (BHS) has been lobbying the government, and is asking livery yards, riding schools and competition centres to contact their MPs, as the more people highlight the problems suffered, the more likely it is the situation will change.

H&H has been reporting on the “disproportionate” rise in rateable values, which determine the amount paid, in the 2017 revaluations, and the BHS has long been campaigning on the issue.

In the most recent Queen’s speech, the government committed to a “fundamental” review of rates. These include a proposal to increase rates relief from a third to 50% for shops and pubs with a rateable value of less than £51,000, to rejuvenate high streets.

The BHS is calling for this relief also to apply to small equestrian businesses.

“There’s a high number of equestrian centres that fall in this bracket so this proposal should apply to them too, and it would be a big saving,” BHS chief operating officer Sarah Phillips told H&H.

The BHS has already written to every MP in England and Wales — the issue is devolved in Scotland — to alert them to the issue, and is encouraging them to visit equestrian centres in their constituencies and raise the subject in parliament.

Ms Phillips said feedback has been positive, and some visits already arranged, but she is encouraging all equestrian centres to do the same. The BHS has created a template letter on its website, to which businesses can add their own personal problems and invite MPs to visit.

“The hike in rates is very often the difference between staying open and closing,” she said. “The message that needs to go to MPs is the impact this has. We assume announcements will be made in the 11 March budget so it’s important to act now.

“We have a new government that appears to be receptive — this could be a chance to change things for the better. It doesn’t take much to get the ball rolling, but if people don’t say anything because they think no one will listen, then no one can listen.”

Lucy Thomson, of Lavant Equestrian riding school in Chichester, told H&H the issue is “ludicrous”.

“My riding school is successful because I have a business background, but the main problem is riding schools don’t make an awful lot of profit, however well they’re run,” she said. “And the business rates don’t reflect the low margins.”

Mrs Thomson said the rates are among the many financial burdens the sector has to face.

“This winter’s a good example,” she said. “You probably need an indoor school to survive, which we have, but only if you can afford to put one up, and get the planning permission, and pay the business rates on it.

“There are so many things weighted against riding schools, yet we meet all the government directives about getting outside, being active, improving mental health. If they want people to do these things, why don’t they help? I’m not talking about grants or anything, just to address the sector.

“This is why riding schools are disappearing, because people can’t afford to run them.”

A Treasury spokesman told H&H: “Since 2016 we’ve cut business rates across the board, with reforms that will reduce their cost by £13bn over the next five years. We’ll be conducting a fundamental review of business rates, and will release further details in due course.

“The retail discount is designed to support our high streets and is targeted at small retail properties including shops, cafes and pubs.”

You may also be interested in…

Equine industry calls for fair deal on business rates

Some equestrian businesses face huge increases in their business rates — H&H looks at what you need to know and

All riding centres urged to join business rates fight

It is crucial as many centres as possible contribute to providing evidence to chancellor Philip Hammond

‘It sounded the death knell’: livery yard closes due to business rates hike

The owner has warned other yards may be forced to close due to the tax rise, damaging the future of

Business rates fight pays off for one yard as others are encouraged to appeal *H&H Plus*

The yard owner hopes the VOA’s concessions may benefit others who could also secure discounts, but believes appealing can also

‘Save our riding schools’: Call for action over tax hike

Many equestrian businesses may have to close, a riding school owner believes, and this would have an effect across the

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horse & Hound reports from the first Equestrian Employers Association conference where topics included how to balance the business books while complying with current legislation...

Equestrian businesses have called for the equestrian world to unite if the industry is to have a viable future.

The message came during debate at the inaugural Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) conference, held at Stallion AI Services in Shropshire on 25 February.

The incoming rise in the minimum wage for all ages from 1 April, and the Conservative Party’s election pledge to raise this to £10.50 within five years for over-25s, sparked discussion on how equestrian businesses can survive.

“I don’t think any of us in this room want not to employ staff correctly — I don’t think anyone deliberately wants to avoid doing things the way they should,” said Mike Hallows, of Hubbards Hall Livery.

“[The equestrian world] is such a lifestyle and a huge amount of work to get the job done.

“How do we persuade government that what we do is important and to our clients that they are going to have to put their hands in their pockets a bit deeper?”

Rosie Lord, owner of Berkshire Riding Centre, said in her experience, being open and honest with clients about where costs have previously been absorbed by the business, why that cannot happen forever and therefore why prices have to rise, is the way forward.

International eventer Francis Whittington said the time has come for a “united front” and perhaps a guide to the baseline costs of running a yard.

“It is a lifestyle, but you still have to be able to pay for everything,” he said. “If one yard is undercutting, that devalues the whole industry.”

The question was put to the EEA as to whether it would ever consider an agreement with the British Grooms Association (BGA) on working hours and pay, in a similar way to the racing industry.

In racing, the National Association of Racing Staff — a union, unlike the BGA — and the National Trainers Federation annually agree a minimum rates of pay structure. This covers everything from minimum rates, dependent on experience and role, weekly hours, overtime both on and away from the yard, expenses and more.

BGA chief executive Lucy Katan explained the way the grooms’ and employers’ associations in the wider industry work are different.

“Could we do something [similar] with the BGA and EEA? It wouldn’t be the same because it is a very different relationship between the two organisations,” she said. “What we could do is work to create some advice for employers.”

She said they can look at creating a cost-per-day guidance on keeping different types of horses, which could serve as a guide for both employers and education for owners.

“We have to expect a rise of 44p every year [to the minimum wage],” said Ms Katan, adding the industry has been on the back foot when it comes to understanding staffing costs. “It is going to go up and up on all [age] levels.

“I feel that now we are catching up very quickly and unfortunately we are getting caught out. I’ve never heard of so many minimum wage investigations as now. “

What if I break the rules?

The financial and emotional stress an HMRC investigation brings were raised and employers were warned it is not a case of only “bad” employers that can be affected.

Even those who are aiming to do the morally right thing and be legally compliant were urged to ensure their records are meticulous, as should the inspectors come knocking, everything will be pulled apart.

The good news is that a lot of this is simple — riders were encouraged to make use of their yard diaries, which most still use; recording at the top of each day who is in, who is on holiday, start and finish times and lunchbreaks, and asking members of staff to sign at the end of each day or week to confirm it is an accurate record of what they did. While not a guarantee, the conference heard having solid records is a vital part of a defence.

Phil Conley, from HMRC’s promoting compliance team, told the conference common causes of underpayment are not deliberate, but are instead “error driven”. For example, incorrectly applying the accommodation offset, the limit to the value of accommodation provided by an employer.

“It appears simple, but the devil is in the detail,” he said.

The penalties are huge — arrears can be backdated as far as six years, to be paid back at the current minimum wage rates, as well as a 200% fine and £500 if the employer is named in a government press release. That is before legal costs are taken into account.

“The costs of getting it wrong are very harsh,” Mr Conley said. “We encourage employers to carry out the necessary checks, and put it right.”

Barrister Victoria von Wachter specialises in equestrian and employement law among other areas.

“Doing what is morally right and what is acceptable to both sides of the equation sadly will not get you out of jail when it comes to legal compliance,” she said, warning of the toll court appearances take on all sides. “The reality is you must comply with the law and very often the law doesn’t give the sense of family and comfort that working for a [good] employer will give to an employee.”

She added the vocational nature of the industry means very often employees will hang around after their working day has officially finished, which is fine, but urged employers to be very clear about what times someone is and is not working.

“You are not breaking any law by not recording hours, but you would be foolish not to,” she said, adding employers are putting themselves at risk if it comes down to their word against employees’. “The more pieces of paper you have, the safer you are going to be.”

You may also be interested in…

Equestrian businesses need to prepare for minimum wage rise: ‘It’s not a choice, it’s the law’ *H&H Plus*

Business rates fight pays off for one yard as others are encouraged to appeal *H&H Plus*

The yard owner hopes the VOA’s concessions may benefit others who could also secure discounts, but believes appealing can also

New immigration rules unveiled: how the horse world reacted *H&H Plus*

Times are changing as equestrian bosses mend their ways *H&H Plus*

Equestrian employers are realising they must comply with the law

‘Something has to change’: groom speaks out over ‘peanuts’ pay

Groom offered illegal employment by five prospective bosses

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) is urging yards to look at their business models ahead of a hike in the minimum wage.

The national living wage, the minimum legal hourly pay for workers aged 25 and over, and national minimum wages for all younger age brackets will increase on 1 April.

The living wage will rise by 6.2%, from £8.21 to £8.72 per hour — which the government says is the “biggest cash increase ever” — with increases of between 4.6% and 6.5% for younger workers on the minimum wage, dependent on their age.

“It is absolutely right that everyone is paid fairly,” said EEA president Tullis Matson. “However, in some cases equestrian businesses are already struggling; this rise will be a challenge for them. It’s vital increases in the living wage are manageable and do not put jobs at risk.“This government has promised a reduction in the jobs tax through an increase in the employment allowance [money off an employer’s national insurance bill]. With a living wage increase of this size now on the horizon, it’s critical that it delivers swiftly.

“As a small employer, equestrian businesses must consider a rise in their prices in response to living wage increase of this magnitude. There needs to be an industry-wide increase, the employer cannot be tasked with this on their own.”

A statement from the EEA said HMRC is “certainly targeting the equestrian industry” with “hefty fines being issued” for non-compliance.

“The EEA is concerned about the impact on many equestrian business, remembering that it’s not a choice to pay [at least] the minimum wage [for the relevant age], it’s the law,” said an EEA spokesman.

“For a groom working a 50-hour week, this will be an annual pay rise of £1,326.”

The EEA has also questioned whether the Conservative Party’s pledge to raise the living wage to £10.50 an hour for everyone over 21 by 2024 is sustainable for an equestrian business. The EEA has worked out that a yard employing four staff — across four of the five minimum and living wage age brackets — on a 50-hour week, could result in an increase in staffing costs of around £4,500 per year.

On the other side, provided the rise does not result in job or hour cuts, employees on the living wage working a 35-hour week will be better off to the tune of around £930 a year under the proposal.

Hubbards Hall Livery’s Mike Hallows, who will be speaking at the first EEA conference in Shropshire on 25 February, told H&H those who pay for services, such as livery, need to realise the financial impact and why costs may rise.

“It isn’t because the [business] owners or the business are getting more out of it, it is covering our costs and people have to realise that they need to be prepared to pay enough for livery so that we can pay to provide it,” he said.

He added the impact for individuals will all depend on each person’s business models and where money comes from to bankroll that. For example, if an equestrian business is entirely self-sufficient — relying totally on money coming in from the services it provides — the increase may have a different effect to a business that has a substantial amount of capital invested from another source.

Appenticeships

An independent think-tank report has raised concerns over the rapid emergence of “fake apprenticeships” diluting the apprenticeship brand as a whole, but the equine world has been reassured this is not the case in the equestrian industry.

Chris Hewlett, managing director of apprenticeship training provider Haddon Training and chairman of the British Grooms Association, told H&H the report’s finding “generally doesn’t apply to the equine industry”, but issues are found more within the business sector and are being “stamped out”.

He added apprenticeships and the way they are run have become much more transparent, with personal learning records and final assessments.

“There are some challenges within the [equine] industry,” he said. “For example, if someone does their BHS stage two, they cannot then come and do an apprenticeship level two [on a similar subject].”

He added this, combined with a lack of careers advice in schools, can lead to innocent mistakes and people having to be turned away from possible positions.

An overhaul of apprenticeships happened in 2017, with the changes in the equine sector coming into force around 16 months ago. This means the first cohort under the new scheme have only recently finished their 12-month positions, and feedback so far has been positive.

“It is a much more stringent product,” said Mr Hewlett, adding there were teething problems, but it is working well. “People have enjoyed the experience and employers think it is more fit for purpose.

“The minimum wage increase is a challenge for the equine industry, and will put pressure points on businesses to survive and training providers to make sure that people are genuinely [employed in apprenticeship positions].

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic tool in developing the next generation of staff — there is no better way to develop those skills than on the job.

“The backbone of the industry is the work force. For all the medals, behind all of that, there is a really hard working team.”

You may also be interested in…

Challenges faced by parents working in equestrian industry brought into focus *H&H Plus*

Business rates fight pays off for one yard as others are encouraged to appeal *H&H Plus*

The yard owner hopes the VOA’s concessions may benefit others who could also secure discounts, but believes appealing can also

‘It sounded the death knell’: livery yard closes due to business rates hike

The owner has warned other yards may be forced to close due to the tax rise, damaging the future of

Equine apprenticeships radically redesigned

The equine groom and senior equine groom apprenticeships’ standards were approved this summer

Equestrian employers invited to mould future of apprenticeships

Representatives of the equine industry have two weeks to have their say in an online questionnaire about equine apprenticeships and

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The challenges faced by working mothers in the equestrian world have been put into the spotlight.

Women in Racing hosted a panel discussion on 18 November as a first step in research to understand more about the situation for women in the industry. This covered issues, real and perceived, positives and negatives, and what more could be done to support bosses, staff and the self-employed balancing families and work.

It was stressed that the research covered fathers and all types of family as well as mothers.

The panel, chaired by business consultancy Simply Racing founder Dena Arstall, comprised British Horseracing Authority director of legal and governance Catherine Beloff, Debbie Grey from the diversity in racing steering group, Suzanne Homewood of Samsung and a director at British Dressage, and broadcaster Gina Bryce.

While the panel started the debate, it was widened to the floor and restrictions were placed on revealing people’s identities to encourage open discussion.

Participants spoke of feelings of guilt, fears of loss of identity, loneliness, and of people’s reactions and the impact on a career. There were also positive stories of parenthood and ways people have found balance.

The conversation went beyond racing yards to cover the wider industry, but the point was made that racing is facing a staffing crisis. Losing skilled staff owing to the challenges they face physically ahead of maternity leave, as well as logistically with having a family, was also raised.

Statistics show that as of June 2017, 51% of the sport’s stable staff workforce was female, up from 42% in 2010. Nearly three-quarters of students at the British Racing School and Northern Racing College in the 2016/17 academic year were women.

The cost of childcare, and it not always being available early enough in the day, were seen as major barriers. But evidence needs to be collected to get the real picture.

Topics also covered how small businesses cope with employees on maternity leave or unable to carry out the same duties as before they were pregnant.

The discussion focused on what racing could learn from other industries and what changes could help. Suggestions included flexible working and more support for bosses in managing this type of conversation, and managing family life themselves.

Women in Racing chairman Tallulah Lewis told H&H the debate “surpassed expectations”, and they have since had a huge number of emails and suggestions.

“Our objective was very much to kick-start the discussion, get everyone engaged and create a space for dialogue,” she said, adding they want to look across the industry in the research.

“The next step will be to collect data and give it to the industry, to hopefully offer something tangible that people can use,” she said. “One thing we hope to look at is what other industries do.”

Ms Lewis added this is not just about families but the whole sport, and hopes this is an area in which racing can lead by example.

“We know there is a staffing crisis but this goes beyond that,” she said. “This affects everyone and if we lose people, it damages the whole industry.”

Rupert Arnold, of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), told H&H these are important conversations.

He added the NTF has plenty of advice available for trainers, including someone who specialises in employment, toolkits and guidance on what support people might need and how to make a business attractive to those returning to work.

“Research has been done that shows for racing staff there is a drop in young women aged 24 or 25, and the assumption was some of them would be starting families,” he said.

“One obstacle to them coming back to work is childcare. Some trainers are changing working hours of individuals so they can access that, and implementing flexible hours. I think more and more trainers are seeing it is not just the sensible thing to do for [employees with families] but that the industry is short of skilled people and people with experience in racing yards, so being flexible can help fill those gaps.”

National Association of Racing Staff (NARS) chief executive George McGrath told H&H those working in yards and facing issues such as the cost of childcare with the loss of benefits need to be represented in these discussions, and the conversation must not ignore the needs of fathers.

“Our members can come to us for support or advice on anything,” he said. “We do support a number of mothers who have had issues and there have been cases where certain trainers have seen pregnancy as a case for dismissal.”

He stressed that this is a small minority and by no means the whole picture of racing.

Liz Daniels, of the British Grooms Association (BGA) and the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), who has worked on yards, told H&H many members are working mothers.

“There are so many amazing jobs now [that will fit with your own circumstances], whether you are based on the yard and need stability and structure, or freelance where you can set your own working patterns,” she said.

She added there is guidance for staff, employers and freelancers on the BGA and EEA websites.

“It is about finding a way to make it work,” she said.

“For smaller yards with few or one employee, that will be a challenge, but there are always ways, even if it means you get someone in part-time or freelance.

“Of course it does have an impact on small businesses and the EEA has practical advice. It is daunting for both employers and employees.”

She added everyone’s circumstances are different, so communication is crucial.

“From my perspective, it was really important for me to have my own identity,” she said. “I’ve had horses all my life and built my career around them, and I wanted to maintain that.”

Simone Sear, Racing Welfare’s director of welfare, told H&H the charity offers support to those in need.

“Becoming a new parent can be a daunting experience, especially for people without strong support networks,” she said.

“If you work or have previously worked in the horseracing industry then Racing Welfare can help in a variety of ways. From emotional support, befriending and professional counselling available 24/7 at Racing’s support line to support with housing issues, debt advice, maximizing income through state benefits and with financial grants for a range of goods and services.

“The careers advice and training service is also there to help people stay in or return to the racing industry through skills development and funding for further training, while racing’s occupational health service provides support and funded treatment for anyone struggling with health related issues, including return to work

“Moreover, Racing Welfare is there to listen and our teams can also help you to find and access specialist support if necessary.”

You might also be interested in…

Equine vets call for a better work-life balance

Many vets are seeking a better work-life balance

Balancing work and family? ‘MumsVet’ launched to help parents

At the 2015 British Equine Veterinary Association congress, 92% of voters agreed equine practice needs to change to become more

Grooms urged to talk about their mental health

The British Grooms Association has launched a mental wellbeing project to tie in with World Mental Health Day

New maternity scheme will freeze top female showjumpers’ rankings

Top-level female showjumpers who want to start a family will no longer be compelled to choose between children and career

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A yard owner who has spent years fighting to decrease his business rates hopes the concessions he won could benefit others in a similar position.

Walter Brinzer, of Chelmsford Equestrian Centre in Essex, went to tribunal this autumn as part of his appeal against the values assigned to his premises, from which rates are calculated.

And although the tribunal did not agree with some of his basic arguments — such as the £250 value assigned to each of his stables being too high compared to £165 in areas of London and Surrey — points ceded by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) beforehand meant he has already been refunded some £6,000.

Mr Brinzer told H&H while it is simple to calculate the rateable value of a shop, for example, as they are often rented and there will be similar local premises for comparison, the same cannot be said for equestrian centres.

“They’re meant to value what a property would be worth to rent on the open market,” he said. “But they have very little information on that market.

“So the valuation officer will break it down — square meterage of stables, arenas, storage, etc — and put a value on each to calculate the overall value.”

Mr Brinzer researched the values attached to facilities in his area and others and found that while in Essex, outdoor arenas were valued at £2.50 per sqm, in many other areas, it was only £1. The VOA agreed to reduce his to £1.50 before the tribunal.

Before the hearing, Mr Brinzer also secured a discount from £15 to £10 per sqm on his storage space value. As a former farm, his centre has large storage areas but he argued these did not add value. The VOA also agreed his smaller pony stables should be rated as less valuable than standard ones.

He secured a 10% discount on the overall value, owing to the size of his premises, as a large yard is harder to rent out than a smaller.

Mr Brinzer hopes the VOA’s concessions may benefit others who could also secure discounts, but believes appealing can also have a wider impact.

“The VOA has to rely on historical data and if no one appeals, it’s as if that must be right,” he said. “The idea is that the rateable values in your area have been agreed with other people, so even if they’re wrong, they’re seen as right.

“I was told no-one else in the area had challenged the rateable value of stables, so ‘thanks for bringing it to our attention, but…’.

“We told the VOA all the information they had was wrong, but unless people appeal, we’re fighting a battle we can’t win. Once the local tone is established, it’s very hard to change it.”

Mr Brinzer’s appeal was against his 2010 values. He now plans to challenge the “outrageous” increase in values on which H&H has reported, which came into effect in 2017.

“There’s very little data to support this,” he said. “Now I need to go back for the next round, as I can’t see how this is justified.”

A spokesman for the British Horse Society (BHS), which has been campaigning against rate levels, told H&H: “A key concern is that riding schools and livery yards have been hit hard with the rateable values that came into force in 2017. The increase these equestrian businesses are being subject to are considerably more than average for businesses across England and Wales.

“We would advise anyone who has any doubt about whether their premises has been incorrectly valued to check with the VOA. Walter’s persistence has been beneficial as it has resulted in him paying less business rates.”

The VOA told H&H it was unable to comment, owing to the forthcoming general election.

Businesses can see how values were calculated, and “propose change” at voa.gov.uk/valuation.

You may also be interested in…

Equine industry calls for fair deal on business rates

Some equestrian businesses face huge increases in their business rates — H&H looks at what you need to know and

Rider ordered to pay nearly £2,000 rates on arena

A dressage rider plans to appeal after being told she must pay almost £2,000 in rates on her manège

Equestrian property owners urged to fight rates increases

Horse owners forced to fight their cases over non-domestic rate claims by local councils

All riding centres urged to join business rates fight

It is crucial as many centres as possible contribute to providing evidence to chancellor Philip Hammond

‘It sounded the death knell’: livery yard closes due to business rates hike

The owner has warned other yards may be forced to close due to the tax rise, damaging the future of

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The fight against increases to riding centres’ business rates has gone to the highest level of the government, as the chancellor of the exchequer has asked for details of their effect on the industry.

As a result of the British Horse Society’s (BHS) long-running campaign against changes to businesses’ rateable values, from which the rates are calculated, BHS chief operating officer Sarah Phillips met chancellor Philip Hammond in March.

The BHS has now launched a survey, which it is urging all riding centres to fill in, to collect evidence of the impact the rate increase is having.

“The chancellor was receptive and understood our concerns,” Ms Phillips told H&H.

“He was talking about the rate relief that’s in place, and additional relief available, but while those I’m sure support some businesses, they’re not always useful for riding schools.

“He asked if there was a problem, why weren’t businesses appealing. We said some are, so he asked us to collect data.

“If people have appealed successfully, that could demonstrate that the whole business rates process for that element is flawed.”

Ms Phillips said that in response to the chancellor’s request for information, the survey has been created and sent to all BHS- approved riding schools, but the more people who complete it, the stronger the evidence will be when it is presented to the chancellor.

“People are absolutely struggling and this is make or break for them,” she added.

“Riding schools are closing and we know that once that happens, they don’t come back, then people won’t have the chance to learn to ride as we did.”

Take the survey here.

The BHS also made Mr Hammond aware of the impact on competition centres and possible repercussions for elite sport in the UK.

“It’s not just riding schools and ponies,” Ms Phillips said.

“If every business appeals and is successful, or a large proportion are successful, it would imply the way the rates are applied is wrong.

Continues below…

Equine industry calls for fair deal on business rates

Some equestrian businesses face huge increases in their business rates — H&H looks at what you need to know and

Rising rates threaten riding schools

Riding schools have told H&H they fear that extortionate costs could force centres — already grappling with hefty insurance premiums

‘It sounded the death knell’: livery yard closes due to business rates hike

The owner has warned other yards may be forced to close due to the tax rise, damaging the future of

“But if we don’t have the evidence, we can’t continue with the campaign. Gathering the data helps us keep up the pressure and keep lobbying. That’s why we need people to complete the survey, so we can campaign on their behalf.

“The more evidence we can collect, the stronger our voice.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

As the UK woke up to the news of a hung parliament this morning, questions of what it will mean for the country are at the forefront of people’s minds.

The equine industry, business rates, hunting, betting, the countryside and Brexit negotiations are just a snapshot of questions the equestrian world wants answering.

Mrs May’s plan to call an early election and secure a Tory stronghold have backfired, with the Conservative party not winning enough seats to form a majority. They needed a minimum of 326, but fell eight short and ended up with 12 fewer MPs overall than before the election.

The exit polls — for which voters are asked which party they voted for as they leave polling stations — proved correct in their prediction of a hung parliament.

At lunchtime today (9 June), news was breaking that the Conservatives had sought a partnership with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Theresa May will remain as Prime Minister.

The final seat numbers are as follows: Conservative, 318; Labour, 262; Scottish Nationalist Party, 35; Liberal Democrats, 12; DUP, 10; other parties, 13.

Yesterday’s election also had the highest turnout of voters in 25 years, with nearly 70% of Britons visiting the polling booths.

Alex Salmond, vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Racing and Bloodstock Industries Group and Scotland’s former first minister, was among the high-profile scalps of the night.

Early reactions

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, told H&H that rural constituencies were about the “one area of stability” with very few changing hands.

“The failure of the Conservatives to hold on to the majority and the formation of a minority government with the DUP is going to make any political process complex and difficult,” he added.

“It means on Brexit, which is of profound importance to the country and the subsequent development of a British agricultural and land management policy, organisations like the Countryside Alliance are going to have to be on their mettle to make sure we get a deal that means businesses and communities in the countryside continue to thrive. The potential pitfalls are huge.”

He added it is “highly unlikely” that a minority government would be able to address some of the wildlife management issues, such as fox hunting, while the country’s political situation is so finely balanced.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Ross Murray said the result “adds further uncertainty to a period of significant upheaval”.

“The CLA’s top priority is the interests of the tens of thousands of farmers and other rural business owners that are getting on with their jobs today, while politicians manoeuvre and negotiate,” he said.

“We are ready to work with the new government to influence the big decisions that will shape the rural economy and rural communities.

“Immediate attention will inevitably be on the implications of this result for securing a Brexit deal that will work in the long-term interests of agriculture and the wider economy. We remain confident that the right deal can be done.

“However, the priorities extend well beyond Brexit. Our leaders have responsibility to work together to provide rural businesses the economic stability and confidence to grow and create jobs, as well as build the homes and infrastructure that rural communities need.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“Join us” if you want to improve working standards is the message from the British Grooms’ Association (BGA) to both grooms and employers after a post regarding employment conditions went viral.

The BGA posted a question on Facebook that had been emailed to them, asking about pay regulation and whether the association could do more to promote better pay.

“I was wondering if there is any way of enforcing regulation for groom’s wages as the National Association of Stable Staff [NASS] do?” they asked.

“We earn so much less than the minimum wage and very few of us have wage slips. Could you become more proactive in telling employers what they should be paying us?”

The BGA has responded, explaining the legal requirements for employers, the reasons why a similar arrangement to NASS cannot be brought — NASS differs as it has a body of members to negotiate with (the National Trainers Foundation) and an annually-renewed memorandum of agreement — and urging grooms to join the BGA if they want to drive real change.

The post also states that it is not in the BGA’s remit to “go out and reprimand employers that flout the law”, instead the association is focusing on education and support on the importance of employing staff legally.

“Imagine if we had 20,000 members. Imagine if all 20,000 members were educated about their employment rights and refused to work in illegal employment situations,” the post continues.

“Imagine if every illegal employment situation had no job applicants, but the good, legally-abiding employers were rewarded with the top experienced grooms applying – this would drive standards up.

“Imagine the voice and representation that grooms would have if there was a body (which there is — the BGA) and it was 20,000 strong.

“This is the BGA’s vision and we will get there in time — but we need grooms just like you and all your colleagues to belong and be proud that you have a recognised (we are a BEF member body) and professional voice acting 100% in your best interest, and on your behalf.”

Article continues below…

Related articles:

• Living wage to impact equestrian businesses
• 50 things owners can’t live without
• Anti-doping online course launched

The association also asked why so many grooms want change, but will not join the professional association that is working to achieve this.

The post has reached 47,000 people and sparked a huge reaction online.

Lucy Katan, executive director, told H&H today (Wednesday 8 February), that they shared the questions as they thought they were valid and wanted to see what other people’s thoughts were.

“We are very positive — we are there to support and help the employers and the grooms and together I think we can improve the situation,” she said.

She added nine employers have contacted the BGA since the post was published on 5 February, to say how annoyed they are at other businesses who do not abide by the laws.

“We are discovering a divide in the employer community — we have the employers that abide by the law and go to far efforts to do so, who are becoming quite grumpy with those who do not,” she said.

For more information, visit: www.britishgrooms.org.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Countryside Alliance is the latest body to call for the government to go “back to the drawing board” on forthcoming changes to business rates.

H&H has reported the huge cost hikes many equestrian ventures will face in April, when the new rates come into force (news, 8 December and 12 January).

The British Horse Society (BHS) has taken the lead on campaigning for fair rates for equestrian businesses on behalf of the British Equestrian Federation’s member bodies.

It has written to every MP in England and Wales and has also sent its member livery yards and riding schools a “tool kit” with information on how they can challenge their rates.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) also recently spoke to H&H about the issue and stressed the need to raise awareness of how rates cut across rural businesses.

The news of the impact it will have on the equestrian world was picked up by the national papers this week, with the Times highlighting the issue on its front page (Monday, 23 January).

What are business rates and who do they affect?

Business rates are a tax that companies in the UK must pay on their premises.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has recalculated these for the first time in seven years, with the new charges coming into force in April 2017.

It was revealed in the 2016 budget that small business rate relief — the threshold below which companies would not have to pay this tax — would be doubled from £6,000 to £12,000 from April 2017.

However, the dramatic change in valuations for some companies means this will not help.

The Countryside Alliance’s head of policy, Sarah Lee, said it is important the positive changes such as the changed to small business rate relief, are not undermined by the “flawed valuations”.

“Under the VOA’s revaluation many rural businesses who thought they would be receiving a rate relief now face dramatic increases in their tax bills,” she said.

“Unfortunately it would appear that many of these rates decisions have been drawn up behind a desk and are blind to the realities and needs of rural businesses.

“Far from being disadvantaged by the VOA’s revaluation, rural businesses require further support.

“We strongly advise the VOA and government ministers to go back to the drawing board and reconsider what is being proposed.”

Why is the change going to be so serious for equestrian businesses?

Business rates are calculated on a “bricks and mortar” basis, taking into account premises’ size and use.

As equestrian businesses, such as livery yards, competition centres and riding schools, need more space than an office, for example, they are being hit particularly hard.

The BHS has said some riding schools and livery yards are being hit with increases of 180% and a huge 365% in the southeast.

Nigel Taylor, of Washbrook Farm at Aston-le-Walls, told H&H recently that his rates have been estimated to increase from £12,500 to around £60,000 — which he is appealing.

“You cannot stick entry fees up any further and livery is at its limit,” he said.

“There is no incentive to improve the facilities and invest in business when [the government] does that to you.”

Article continues below…

Related articles:

• Equestrian homes and businesses under threat of tax hikes
• 6 things livery yard owners really, really hate
• Trying to save money on your horse bills? Take a look at these tips

Meanwhile Simon Bates, of Keysoe, said his rates look set to go up by £10,000 a year — and pointed out the way the rates are calculated unfairly penalises businesses for offering facilities such as larger stables.

Rio Olympic dressage team silver medallist Fiona Bigwood is among those to call for the industry to have a fair deal.

“As a sport we are trying to get all different sorts of people involved in it and when the overhead tax is so high, it is wrong,” she said.

“You see so many yards and riding schools closing down because they cannot afford it; the price of lessons go up and the parents cannot afford it.”

What has the Valuation Office Agency said?

A VOA spokesman told H&H rateable values are based on an open market rental value on a fixed date, which was 1 April 2015.

“If those open market values have changed, then rateable values will change with them,” he said.

“Demand for high quality equestrian centres has increased since the last revaluation, and more comprehensive, robust rental evidence has ensured that our valuations in this sector are accurate.

“However, if a ratepayer believes the details we hold are incorrect then they can contact us with suggested amends. From 1 April they will have the option of formally challenging the valuation.”

She added that ratepayers whose business rates have increased by a large amount may be eligible for some rate relief.

Useful links:

BHS campaign

How to check and appeal your business rates

Valuation Office Agency’s rules for equestrian properties

CLA

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An application to build houses on Patchetts Equestrian Centre has been withdrawn.

Patchetts closed in August and plans to replace it with a 46-house development were submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council that month.

A statement on the equestrian centre’s website said that the sad decision to shut had been made as the business had not been economically viable for some time.

It added that the centre had been supported independently by the McTaggart family for several years, but the continued personal support in the current economic situation could no longer be sustained.

The application to build on the site in Aldenham, Hertfordshire, was set to be discussed by the council’s planning committee at a meeting this evening (Thursday 10 December).

But the plans, which had been recommended for refusal by planning officers, has now been removed from the agenda at the request of the applicant.

The application had received 73 objections from members of the public and the case officer’s report gave five reasons for refusal.

The first reason was that the proposed development would have a greater impact on the openness of the greenbelt than the current buildings, which would be “inappropriate”.

The second reason given was that the number of houses and the subsequent population increase would be out of scale with the existing village.

Further reasons were also given regarding the listed buildings, that the development would not “preserve or enhance” the character of the conservation area or the settings of the listed buildings and insufficient information regarding the impact on bat roosts.

“The council has not acted pro-actively through positive engagement with the applicant as in the council’s view the proposal is unacceptable in principle and the fundamental objections cannot be overcome through dialogue,” the report concludes.

The applicant, Heronslea, declined to comment.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Plans to build houses on the site of another equestrian centre in Hertfordshire have been submitted to the council.

Bucks Meadow Riding School closed on 30 September after 23 years.

Owners Tom Harkness and Madeleine White opened the business in 1992 and revealed earlier this year that they would be retiring.

“It is a very difficult decision as we are not only facing retirement but the centre has not been financially viable for some considerable time,” they said.

“We have been supporting the business but can not continue to do this.”

The ponies from the riding school are being sold or retired.

“This is a very sad time for all of us at Bucks Meadow and for you as our clients — we thank you for the loyalty you have shown to us,” they added.

“We hope you have had many happy experiences and memories over the years that you have been here.”

The application to build more than 30 houses on the site in Oxhey Village, Watford, was put to Hertsmere Borough Council on 28 October.

It involves demolishing the existing arenas, buildings and hardstanding, replacing them instead with 34 homes, a village green, wildflower meadow and play area.

So far, the application has received 80 objections and seven letters of support.

This is the third application to build on an equestrian centre in Hertfordshire that H&H has reported on in recent months.

Patchetts Equestrian Centre, which is less than three miles away, shut in August and plans for a 46-house development in its place were put to councillors that month.

A statement on Patchetts’ website said that the difficult decision to close had been made as the centre had not been economically viable for some time.

An application to develop South Medburn Equestrian Centre in nearby Borehamwood — which is still open for business — was also submitted in July.

All three potential developments are still awaiting a final decision by Hertsmere Borough Council.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The go ahead to build a new equestrian centre in Essex has been granted by councillors.

Longwood Equestrian Centre was forced to move from its home in Dry Street, Basildon, earlier this year to make way for a major new housing development.

Livery services ceased at the beginning of this year and the last show was held in April.

The riding school first moved to its new site at Whites Farm in Barleylands Road, Billericay, on a temporary basis on 20 September and lessons are continuing as normal.

The application to develop the site into a permanent equestrian centre was approved by Basildon councillors at a meeting on 3 November.

Leaseholder Ian Lewington told H&H that he was feeling “very positive”.

“It is obviously very good news,” he said.

“Now we are just finalising when we can start building.”

He added that will mainly depend on the weather.

The approved development includes plans for 44 stables with an indoor and outdoor arena, parking, a café, 40 acres of grazing and a 5km hacking route.

“The support has been overwhelming,” Mr Lewington added.

“We will be running all the shows that we used to and hopefully more.”

Mr Lewington told H&H in August that he hopes to start hosting affiliated showjumping and dressage competitions as well as the “bread and butter” unaffiliated events.

He also plans to run services previously offered at their former site, including livery and educational training course.

There has been a long-running campaign to save Longwood Equestrian Centre from developers.

The outline plans for the major development at Dry Street were approved in June 2013 and proposals for the first stage of the project were accepted in September.

A total of 725 new homes are planned for Dry Street as part of the regeneration of Basildon.

Cllr Richard Moore, cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “We have always said our priority is to generate a stronger local economy through regeneration and building business opportunities and jobs for local people.

“This is another step towards making that vision a reality.”

He added the regeneration with bring “£40million of investment” to the area.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Could equestrian businesses and private stabling be facing extra taxes?

An MP has held a debate in Parliament to discuss business rates in rural areas following concerns.

Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, believes the “seemingly new ways” the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is amassing business rates poses “a direct threat to rural communities and their economy”.

At the debate last month (7 September) Mr Berry cited the case of one of his constituents, Alan Walker, who was contacted on 19 March by the Lancashire VOA telling him they wanted to assess his stables for business rates.

The stabling at Mr Walker’s home was used solely to keep his family’s horses and the planning permission for the stables specifically precludes commercial use.

Mr Walker has launched an appeal against the VOA’s decision but if unsuccessful could be charged £3,000 a year in business rates on his stables in addition to his council tax.

“I was very surprised because I have lived here over 20 years and am already paying high council tax for a house with three bedrooms,” he said. “The only local service I use is to have my bins emptied. My home is completely used for domestic purposes.”

Mr Walker spoke to other horse owners who had been in a similar situation and met with Mr Berry.

“This will affect horse owners all over the country so we need to fight this as it is not fair to pay council tax of £2,000 then have an additional rating of £3,000 on top which would mean paying an additional £1500 in non domestic/business rates,” he said.

Last year similar appeals were launched and won by two horse owners in Devon after they proved the equestrian facilities were within the domestic curtilage (area immediately surrounding house for domestic use) of their properties.

In August 2014 Katherine Curley appealed and won against a proposal by the VOA to charge non-domestic rates of £1,800 on top of an increased council tax.

Another Devon equestrian property owner Marilyn Hutchings also won her appeal after a year of battling, after the tribunal agreed her photographic evidence showed the stables were in the curtilage of the garden.

The local council had sent her a bill for four years of backdated payment of non-domestic rates after she was visited by a VOA officer.

The British Horse Society (BHS) told H&H it receives more complaints about business rates from riding schools and livery yards than any other issue.

“We have been working with a lobbying company to produce a guidance note with advice on how to talk to the VOA and get rates reviewed,” said Sarah Phillips, of the BHS.

This was given to the BHS’ 850 approved riding centres last month.

A standard letter was also issued to encourage the centres to write to MPs raising their concerns over discrepancies in business rates.

“We are now getting reports back from members that they are receiving replies from their MPs,” said Ms Phillips.

This summer the BHS made a submission to the Government’s business rate review, highlighting the anomalies that exist in the tax system for people who run equestrian premises.

A spokesman for the VOA admitted that in equestrian businesses confusion “can arise in this complex area” and each case needs to be considered on its own facts.

“The legislation regarding stables hasn’t changed since 1988. We assess stables for non-domestic rates unless they meet the criteria for being included in the council tax band of a domestic property,” the VOA spokesman told H&H.

“Generally this is when horses are kept for private purposes, within the boundary of the property and those features are an integral part of the property.”

Readers having problems with stable tax should contact the BHS: www.bhs.org.uk

Ref: H&H 1/10/15

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A popular equestrian business on the High Speed Two (HS2) rail path will be safe after the owners struck a deal with the government.

The route for the first phase of HS2 passes through Washbrook Farm at Aston-le-Walls, Northants.

If it goes ahead, building work on the new high-speed railway from London to Birmingham will begin in 2017. Services are expected to start in 2026.

There were concerns in the equestrian world that this could mean the end for the competition and training venue (news, 7 November 2013).

Owners Ann and Nigel Taylor run more than 20 days of affiliated and unaffiliated horse trials a year, from grassroots to advanced levels.

They also provide year-round training facilities, run a livery yard and have a number of professional riders based at the farm – including Joss Gray and the Qatar eventing team.

An agreement has now been reached, meaning the venue will be safe whether the railway goes ahead or not.

Mr Taylor said it has been an ongoing process and a deal was finalised about six months ago.

He added they have sold off 35 acres to the government, which they are renting back until development starts.

More land has also been bought with the money from the sale.

“We have been trying to make a negative into a positive with the railway,” Mr Taylor told H&H.

Last month (28 August) it was also revealed that the Chilterns tunnel near Great Missenden would be extended by 2.6km.

The deep-bored tunnel, which runs from just east of Chalfont St Peter in Buckinghamshire, will now end north of South Heath instead of south of the village.

This saves 12 hectares of woodland from being destroyed.

However, the route for the high-speed railway will still cut across large areas of hunting country.

H&H reported in 2013 that the proposed path for the first phase of the railway would affect the Bicester with Whaddon Chase (BHWC), Grafton, Kimblewick and Warwickshire countries.

“Going straight through the middle of the countryside is going to affect the lives and livelihoods of so many people,” amateur whip for the BWHC Julian Price told H&H at the time.

Ref: H&H 10 September, 2015

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Plans to demolish an equestrian centre to make way for houses have been submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council.

South Medburn Equestrian Centre offers riding lessons and livery services at its 105-acre estate near Watford.

“It is business as usual, nothing has changed,” owner Margaret Rose told H&H.

She declined to comment further.

The equestrian centre has been running since 1984 and is also a British Horse Society (BHS) approved training venue.

The site has 68 livery stables as well as two indoor and two outdoor arenas.

In the design and access statement submitted with the plans, the applicant – Relic Homes – states that the council has raised the issue of the loss of equestrian facilities.

“The applicant has already responded on behalf of the current owners to confirm that the existing equestrian business is not financially viable and cannot continue with the owners pouring in more of their own personal capital to keep it afloat and subsidise it,” it reads.

The plans for 15 homes on the site were received by the council on 21 July. Public consultation on the application runs until 8 September and a decision is due by 3 November.

Meanwhile, proposals for a major development at Patchetts Equestrian Centre (pictured, top) were also submitted to the same council this month by developers Heronslea.

The popular Hertforshire venue revealed in July that it would be closing and shut on 2 August.

The plans involve keeping the listed buildings – Coach House, Farm House, Lims Barn and Little Patchetts – but demolishing the other buildings to make way for a total of 46 houses.

In the north of England, plans are also afoot to reduce the size of another livery yard to make way for 15 houses.

Consultation runs until 9 September and a decision is due from the council by 18 November.

An application to demolish the indoor arena and outbuildings at Swarland Park Equestrian Centre was put to Northumberland County Council on 10 August.

The centre has 12 horses on livery, plus five others owned and used by the owners and their family.

The plans state that the owners wish to reduce the number of horses at the property and to relocate the indoor arena.

A decision is due by 7 September.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Protecting your company's reputation online might sound like something for massive multi-nationals to worry about, but it's important for equestrian businesses of all sizes too. Find out why and how you can get your customers' comments working to give you a commercial advantage

All equestrian business owners know that recommendations from current or previous clients can play a significant role in their commercial success. Whether you run a tackshop, are a farrier, have a rug cleaning company or are an equine therapist, if your customers are happy with the service you provide, there is a strong likelihood they will tell their friends.

With the horse world being such a tight knit community, each individual has many like-minded connections through friends, family and colleagues, so word of mouth can spread positive messages about your company far and wide. Thanks to our love of social media, and all things online, this opportunity to share great experiences has recently moved on to another level.

But while every business tries to provide a good service to each customer, things don’t always go according to plan. When things do go wrong, the social media is typically the first place your customers will turn to moan about their experience, sometimes before they have contacted you direct to give you an opportunity to resolve the issue. So what can you do?

Protect your business: know what’s being said

You can only act to protect your business’ reputation online if you know what is being said in the first place. One of the simplest ways to ‘own’ feedback is to have a website, blog, facebook page, twitter account, linkedin profile, etc, where it is easy for customers to contact you.

You will need to check all of these locations frequently, so you can respond to questions and complaints when they arise. Complaints left to fester risk becoming a much larger problem. A prompt response will often quickly resolve an issue, preventing it from being blown out of proportion.

If you receive a complaint online, reply in an open and consultory fashion. If the customer has the wrong end of the stick, by all means explain your position, but do so in a non-judgemental way. Remember this conversation is open for potential customers to read and they may decide whether they do or don’t use your business based on how you deal with complaints.

If possible invite the customer to take the conversation offline so you can speak to them either face-to-face or over the phone. In most cases, a verbal discussion is more likely to resolve the problem than conversing via email or online. If you do have to deal with the matter via email, remember before pressing send that you may find a copy of that email posted online for all to read.

No matter how tempting it may be, do NOT delete negative online comments. This is almost certain to cause the customer to post again both on your social media pages, and elsewhere, deriding your lack of customer service and poor business practises. If responded to in the right way, complaints can be used as an opportunity to show that you do care about your customers and you want to resolve their issues in a positive, professional and pro-active manner.

Protect your business: find comments elsewhere

While you hope customers will come to you direct with any concerns they have, it’s quite common for customers to use social media, review sites and online forums to air grievances they have, whether perceived or justified.

One of the easiest ways to keep track of your company’s general reputation online is to frequently type your company’s name into google.co.uk. Visually scan through the results that come up to see what information is related to your business. If your business has quite a generic name, try adding other related terms like ‘horses’ ‘equestrian’ ‘saddler’ etc, until you see content about you.

If you find comments that are positive, then that’s great. Take a moment to log on to that website and respond. Thank that individual for their comments and invite them to use you again. This is an important step that can help turn happy one-off customers into repeat loyal clients. The fact you’ve taken the time to respond will also encourage potential customers to view you in a positive light.

If you find comments that are not positive, don’t panic. It’s extremely unlikely that you will be able to remove that comment/review, even if you think it is damaging to your business. Think back to see if you can remember the situation being referred to. It may be that your memory of it will be different to that being described, but that doesn’t mean the customer is wrong or has malicious intent. They just have their own view of the situation, which will be different to yours.

Log on to that website (you may have to register first) and respond in a non-confrontational way. As above, invite the user to contact you direct to try to resolve the problem. Don’t allow yourself to be dragged into a he-said, she-said discussion about what happened. A useful guide is to reply to a comment online up to twice, and if the matter hasn’t been resolved by then invite the user to take the discussion offline instead.

Hopefully you will be able resolve the problem to the customer’s satisfaction, in which case you could post on the review/thread/post saying how pleased you are to have resolved the problem for them and that you hope to do business with them again. You may find the customer will then do the same. But don’t post if you suspect the customer isn’t totally satisfied, as that may cause the matter to flare up again.

You won’t be able to resolve ever single complaint or negative review posted online, but the fact you’ve allowed the customer to have their say and responded in a helpful way, should stand your business’s reputation in good stead. So rather than worrying about trying to get negative online reviews removed, take them as an opportunity to demonstrate your excellent customer service and you business’ reputation will be bolstered rather than damaged as a result.

New performance horse syndication company Kudo Rock won the new media and online business award at the Venus Awards last week (1 October).

The company set up by Zoe Lortal in January sells both leases and full shares in performance horses across the UK.

“It is a completely new concept,” said Zoe. “There are no other companies globally in the eventing world doing this, although it is very common in racing.”

Zoe, 38, said the business is aimed at older coupless that have had horses but don’t want the commitment of ownership.

“Leasers get a cut of the prize money but it is more about the passion and enjoying the social side of eventing,” she said.

Her lease fees range from £20 a day up to £10,000 per annum depending on how often a horse competes and how many sharers it has.

The fees are based on the annual running costs of £20,000-£25,000 for a lower level event horse divided by the number of sharers.

The company based in the Isle of Wight is looking for event horses with potential and will then sell the shares.

“The business is going to take a couple of years to get going but we’ve had great feedback. Winning this award has been a huge boost,” Zoe told H&H.

The Venus awards were started in 2009 to recognise, reward and celebrate working women in business in the south.

After winning the award in Portsmouth, Zoe goes forward to the National Finals held next January.

More information on the awards

Customer service training is being offered to equine businesses by a new company.

Equine Staff Training (EST) runs specialist customer service courses for equine businesses, individuals and equine education providers.

The courses focus on profiling customer types, the concept of professionalism and customer service techniques.

They also cover topics including telephone etiquette, meeting and greeting clients and body language.

EST equine customer service courses are delivered in an “informal classroom setting”, using discussion and practical exercises.

They last for around four and a half hours and all participants receive a certificate of attendance.

“While standards of riding, teaching, horsecare and equestrian facilities have dramatically improved in recent years, customer service is an area which is sometimes neglected,” said EST course director and trainer Katy Malone.

“We are all talking about how important it is to attract new riders to the sport in the wake of the success of the Olympics,” she added.

“One of the ways we can achieve this is by offering excellent customer service to new and potential clients.”

For more information and course prices, visit www.eqst.co.uk.

Training yard and equestrian retailer Classic Dressage has launched a sports marketing agency.

“Classic Management” offers a range of services to riders, from sourcing sponsorship through to building websites, social media strategies and sports psychology.

It will also assist brands that want to work with competition riders by creating commercially viable partnerships.

“This is an exciting time for the Classic brand,” said Classic Dressage’s Julia Hornig.

“I have an incredible team behind this venture who bring a wealth of knowledge to the division as well as being horse owners themselves.”

The company is already responsible for Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin’s new website — as well as the one for riders Gareth and Rebecca Hughes.

Gareth said: “I wanted to have a website that reflects Rebecca and me as athletes and the stunning competition horses we are privileged to ride.

“I know the importance of having an online presence and I love the end result of Hughesdressage.com.”

For more information visit www.classicmanagement.co.uk

Retailers are reeling from the effects of this summer’s wet weather.

Many have taken large hits due to widespread cancellations of shows, events and country fairs.

More than 70 days of competition have been lost from the British Eventing calendar – including prime selling shows Badminton, Chatsworth and Gatcombe.

Last week, the CLA Game Fair (20-22 July) was cancelled.

And the abandonment of the Great Yorkshire Show after day one (10-12 July) also came as a blow to more than 900 retailers, expecting to benefit from the 130,000-strong crowd.

David Kempsell from First Thought Equine, which manufactures WOW Saddles, told H&H it was the worst year he’d known for business.

“We usually get 500 new leads from Badminton, so that being off had a huge impact,” he said. “We’re now having to go abroad and look for more retailers and shows there.”

Gabriella Shaw said her ceramics company has “lost a fortune” due to the weather.

“It’s horrible – we made stuff specially for the shows and then they were cancelled, so we’re left with all the stock,” she said.

“And it’s all the incidental costs – travel, staff, hotels. The Diamond Jubilee really saved our bacon. I think we would have gone under otherwise.”

Julia Andrews from Kate Negus Saddlery has lost out on three events this year and said it’s also affecting her supplier.

“As I buy all my stock from the UK, I have managed to control the situation, but this has a knock-on effect to my supplier, as I have obviously not been placing my usual orders,” she said.

And Julia Hornig from Classic Dressage estimates her company has lost “an entire month of turnover”.

Rosalie Eustace from Timothy Foxx clothing was at the Great Yorkshire Show before it was abandoned.

“The

so we have made a loss, taking into consideration the travel costs etc,” she said.

“However, as we are also an online retailer, we seem to be making up some of the lost sales through internet orders post-events, which is encouraging.”

EquestrianClearance.com is also reporting good sales.

“We have found that many people who may have bought clothing and horsewear on the show circuit have turned to us [online] with events being cancelled,” said director Lorraine Meadowcroft.

“Outerwear and waterproofs have certainly been big sellers and, while some businesses have faced very difficult weeks, we have been very busy and have even had to increase our staffing numbers.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (19 July 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Country and Land Business Association (CLA) has launched a report requesting that the government frees the equine business sector from red tape.

The report, entitled Clearing Hurdles, calls for a relaxation of restrictions on planning, insurance and tax that, it says, are currently stifling growth of the industry.

CLA President Harry Cotterell said: “Equine businesses are unable to develop because of planning restrictions.

“The CLA is calling on the government to reform the planning system to so that it is cheaper, simpler and faster to use, and recognises the limited impact of well-managed equine businesses on the environment and landscape.”

The report was launched by Olympic eventer Lucinda Green.

She added: “I am very pleased the CLA is lobbying for much-needed changes to the law and giving practical advice to equine businesses on how to overcome the challenges they face. For many in the industry, this is just the kind of leg-up they need.”

Read more equine business stories from H&H:

Equestrian apprenticeships to undergo radical overhaul

Standardised apprenticeships hoped to be in place by 2017 which aims to aid the equestiran industry as a whole

Equine charities warned to put their house in order

The Charity Commission is calling for all equine charities to review their financial procedures after a recent investigation into a horse sanctuary

Equestrian industry celebrates at awards ceremony

The Animal Health Trust UK Awards were cause for celebration for some of the equestrian world’s best contributors

New equine groom apprenticeship launched

In this third phase of the government’s initiative 700 employers will design 76 apprenticeships across various professions including equestrianism

Grooms are risking travel without insurance

Hundreds of British grooms work abroad, but 86% said they have no insurance to cover them for medical treatment

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Equestrian businesses are being invited to attend the inaugural Newmarket Equine Trade Fayre.

This will be open to the public and will be held at Tattersalls on 1 April.

Any businesses related to horses are welcome – including feed merchants, saddlers, vets, farriers or those offering alternative therapies for equines.

Manufacturers of horseboxes, rosettes and supplements are also welcome as are breed societies, livery yards, riding clubs and equestrian magazines.

There will question and answer sessions and non-riding demonstrations in the Tattersalls auction ring.

It will cost £30 – £100 for businesses to attend.

For more information email: colleensalmon@btinternet.com or phone 07724 069766

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Mail order feed company Efeed.co.uk is back in business, delivering feed, bedding, supplements and haylage direct to yards and homes across the UK.

The website – run by Simon and Sarah Hughes from their base in Bicester – has been trading for nearly two months.

Sarah Hughes said: “We want to be the UK equestrian’s “go to” place for horse feed, meaning that those who want to spend more time riding and less time collecting heavy feed can do so.

“Equally, for those in more remote locations, or people who just want a range of horse feed, bedding, haylage and supplements delivered with minimal stress, we can do it,” she added.

Efeed.co.uk was set up by its previous owner, but ceased trading in July. Mr and Mrs Hughes took the business on soon after – and say they are getting great feedback from customers.

Rodney Hughes, Simon Hughes’s father, told H&H:

“We are getting customers saying “thank heavens you’re back. We have been delivering all over the place – even to the Scottish islands.”

Efeed.co.uk can supply products to single horse owners as well as large yards. Items are delivered by courier and a bulk discount is available if more than 40 items are ordered.

Mrs Hughes said: “You can place your order whenever you like as we’re online, so you’re not restricted to working hours. So you can make the most of the reduced daylight hours this winter, spending as many as possible on your horse.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Polo clothing and accessories company, UberPolo – until now only available online – has opened its first shop, in Surrey.

The shop, in Haslemere, had its official opening on Friday 14 October.

Several members of the local polo community turned out to show their support, including Sarah Wiseman, manager of Hickstead Polo Club and Sussex Polo Club’s Sallie-Anne and Duane Lent.

UberPolo’s owner, Leigh-Anne Moore, said it was “great” to have a “destination shop in the high street” after being purely online for over three years.

She added: “The shop has also enabled us to stock a more diverse range of products including gifts, jewellrey and Argentine handbags – which appeal to both players and non-player alike.”

UberPolo is at 13A Lower Street, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2NY 01428 642671

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10-5pm.

For more information, visit www.uberpolo.com

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

New equestrian retailer Hoss Equine has introduced an online exchange system.

Hoss Equine has created an online “new for old” concept to enable customers to put their old equestrian items to a much more productive use.

With the scheme horse owners can exchange un-wanted items for vouchers to spend in the new online shop.

It is aimed at riders who want to buy new items but don’t have the funds and who have a tack room “bursting with unused items that could be put to better use”

“Customers are asked to fill out a quick form online and will receive a voucher offer within 24 hours,” said a Hoss Equine spokesman.

“If they are happy with their offer they simply pop their items in the post, we will check them and an email voucher code will be sent within 24 hours.”

For more information visit: www.hossequine.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Timber stable manufacturer Redmire Stables is under new ownership, after going into liquidation earlier this year.

When it ceased trading on 13 May, Redmire owed money to some customers who had paid for goods but not received them (news, 2 June).

Now it has been bought by a new company, Redmire Equestrian Ltd, and is trading from Alcester in Warwickshire.

New boss Martin Potter has six years’ experience in the equestrian building industry.

Gemma Kite, head of sales, said: “We are going to have to build up trust, so for the first six months we will not ask for a deposit on goods ordered.”

She said the firm is also keen to work with customers of the previous owners, although they have no responsibility for money owed.

A spokesman for the liquidators, RSM Tenon, said it was not yet known if customers would get their money back.

Visit: www.redmire.co.uk

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (28 July, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Online feed merchant Efeed.co.uk, based in Newbury, Berkshire, is closing down and will cease trading on Friday (22 July).

Managing director Stuart Fitzgerald said he is closing the business to focus on his bedding brand (White Horse Bedding Ltd) and domestic solid fuel business, White Horse Energy.

He said: “Despite attempts to move Efeed.co.uk onto a new owner we have been unable to find a suitable buyer for the business and will be closing the online store in order to concentrate our energy on our core and fastest growing divisions.

“We will ensure that existing orders are fulfilled with our normal high level of customer service and are offering the remaining stock to customers at a phased discount over the course of this week, ending Friday 22 July.”

The company website, domain name and trademark are being sold on eBay, in an auction that ends on Monday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new range of pony-themed mugs has been launched by Sugar Cubes Ponies, retailing at £10.

The company, which specialises in horse-themed personalised gifts, has launched the new range via www.cafepress.co.uk.

“We have lots of people asking us for mugs and other gift items but as we’re a small business, it’s not practical to order large volumes of many designs. That’s why Café Press is great as it allows us to design great mugs that are available online,” said Hazel Burton from Sugar Cubes.

“These mugs are great for tack rooms, horseboxes or as gifts. We’re really excited about the launch of our mug range and we hope our Sugar Cubes fans love them as much as we do.”

There are nine rosette designs available: I love Ponies, Pony, I’m Not Competitive, Best Groom, Best Horsey Mug, Best Horsebox Driver, Best Horsey Mum, Best Poop Scooper and Best Pony Tail.

There are also three “Upside Down” mugs as well as It’s a Pony Thing, I love Ponies (Exmoor), Pony Love and The Camargue Mug.

Items are available from www.cafepress.co.uk/cuteponies

For more information on Sugar Cubes visit: www.sugarcubesponies.co.uk.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now